Two-Dimensional Micro-Colloid Thruster Fabrication

The proposed research for this project is to perform preliminary required research in order to pursue microfabricated colloid thruster arrays. The project is comprised of the following tasks: i. propellant selection studies to determine appropriate propellant for microfabricated configurations and desired thrust regimes, ii. study of capillary feed physics for transport of propellant to electrospray tips, iii. investigation of extractor electrode designs suitable for high-density arrays of electrospray sources, iv. Characterization of electrochemical corrosion effects upon silicon, the preferred material for microfabrication, v. development of improved models of the electrospray phenomena, and vi. test of a novel bipolar colloid thruster that may promote extended thruster operation in the ionic regime.