Modelling of the propulsion mechanism for a miniaturized corona ionization thruster
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Date
2015-10-30
Authors
Krommenhoek, Marinus Frans
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Abstract
In this dissertation a recipe has been outlined on how thrust can be calculated
using the conservation of momentum in continuum form. With the aim
of modelling a CORION (corona ionization) like thruster in mind it was then
argued using a much simpler system and stochastic calculus why a statistical
description of the system is necessary. From this the one-particle distribution
emerged as a natural tool for the description of a system su cient for the determination
of the system's thrust.This was followed by a short investigation
into the background of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, both classical and
quantum, necessary to understand how one-particle distributions could be derived
formally and in a physically consistent way. Mass
ow and current-voltage experiments of the CORION like thrust system, necessary for characterization of part of the system, were conducted. This led to a proposal for a modelling strategy, consisting of merging di erent modelling approaches and descriptions
considered throughout the dissertation.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.