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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

In vacuum dynamic and static tests of a thrust balance for electric propulsion with hysteresis analysis and behaviour prediction with transfer function

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Author(s):
Oliveira Soares, Diogo Leon [1] ; Marques, Rodrigo Intini [1]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] INPE Brazilian Natl Inst Space Res, LCP Lab Combust & Prop, LPEL Elect Space Prop Lab, Cachoeira Paulista, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: MEASUREMENT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; v. 32, n. 12 DEC 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

This work describes the advances on the development of a thrust-stand for electric propulsion application with a focus on the constraints of the two-stage pulsed plasma thruster (TS-PPT) being developed at INPE at the Electric Propulsion Laboratory (LPEL) of the Laboratory of Combustion and Propulsion (LABCP). While previous work on this instrument focused on basic development in atmospheric pressure the present effort presents the development undertaken to elevate the TRL of the device to allow it to operate in vacuum-the environment where actual electric thrusters operate and are tested. To cater for INPE's TS-PPT specification, standard masses summing 1.2 kg were used while the electrostatic calibration device (ECD) was set to produce 31 mu Ns. A detailed hysteresis analysis was carried out at the target TS-PPT specification together with a transfer function that aimed at extrapolating and predicting the behaviour of the instrument. In addition, this work shows the development of a new magnetic damper for the instrument that reduces the waiting time between tests. A new calibration at the TS-PPT specification points were undertaken in vacuum since previous calibration were made for atmospheric pressure and did not include the specific points of interest for the TS-PPT. Furthermore, previous calibration procedures were verified to ensure they would apply to the vacuum conditions and to account for the substitution of some thrust stand previously incompatible vacuum parts and also to account for the addition of the new magnetic damper and other unforeseen conditions caused by the vacuum environment. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/05927-3 - Development of a thrust balance micro-thrusters
Grantee:Rodrigo Intini Marques
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants