Modelling of the propulsion mechanism for a miniaturized corona ionization thruster

No Thumbnail Available

Date

2015-10-30

Authors

Krommenhoek, Marinus Frans

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

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.

Keywords

Citation

Collections

Endorsement

Review

Supplemented By

Referenced By