2014 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Air-Breathing Pulsed Plasma Thruster
| Project/Area Number |
26820370
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| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
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Principal Investigator |
SCHOENHERR Tony 東京大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (70625491)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
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| Keywords | propellant feeding / gaseous propellant / air-breathing thruster |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Following an analysis of the atmospheric conditions in low Earth orbits, we have estimated the mass flow rates of gaseous propellant that are to be expected to be used in an eventual thruster system. We've designed, built, and tested a propellant feeding system including an injector valve to allow for testing a pulsed plasma thruster with gaseous propellant--firstly with air only.
Injection and ignition were successful, but results showed but small difference to normal PPT operation. We've redesigned the PPT to allow for higher energy input, i.e., might reveal more difference between solid and gaseous propellant, and also to provide a more likely thruster for in-orbit operation.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
A slight delay occured due to procurement of components for the thruster (capacitors), which delayed the measurement of thrust properties. Eventual delivery date is set to end of May, and we're hopeful to be able to cope with the delay and come back to the original schedule as soon as possible.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
After arrival of the thruster components and some adjustments to the thrust balance, we will measure the thrust properties of the new gas-fed PPT and from there evaluate the feasibility of an air-breathing PPT, and find points for further optimization of the system. If possible, we also intend to enable high-speed photography to compare the discharge processes with solid-propellant PPT.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Due to delay of procurement of thruster parts, some money was left over in FY2014, and had to be transferred to FY2015.
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| Expenditure Plan for Carryover Budget |
The past-on money will be used for the delayed parts when they arrive soon.
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Research Products
(1 results)
