Numerical Estimation of Heat Loss and Thrust Performance Characteristics in Micro Propulsion

Excessive thermal energy loss in downsized chemical propulsion has been a long-lasting issue resulting in deteriorated thrust generation or abnormal operation of micro thrusters. In order to investigate the effect of thermal characteristics of thruster fabrication materials on thermal loss and the corresponding degradation of thrust generation performance of a thruster in micro scale, a simulation-based work has been conducted. A previously manufactured 50 mN class micro thruster was analysed with respect to material alternatives with different thermal characteristics investigating its performance variation. With varying thermal characteristics of manufacturing materials for a micro thruster, thruster outer surface temperate, temperature of propellant leaving the nozzle exit plane, and thrust generation performance were estimated and compared to address heat loss and thrust degradation aspects in micro propulsion.