Title: Design considerations for supersonic micronozzles

Authors: W.F. Louisos, A.A. Alexeenko, D.L. Hitt, A. Zilic

Addresses: School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Program, University of Vermont, 301 Votey Hall, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA. ' School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, 315 N. Grant Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA. ' School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Program, University of Vermont, 301 Votey Hall, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA. ' School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Program, University of Vermont, 301 Votey Hall, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA

Abstract: The next-generation of small satellites (|nanosats|) will feature masses <10 kg and require miniaturised propulsion systems capable of providing extremely low levels of thrust. The emergence of viscous, thermal and/or rarefaction effects on the micro-scale can significantly impact the flow behaviour in supersonic micronozzles resulting in performance characteristics which differ substantially from traditional macro-scale nozzle designs. In this paper, we provide an overview of key findings obtained from computational studies of supersonic micronozzle flow and discuss the implications for future micro-scale nozzle design and optimisation.

Keywords: micropropulsion; supersonic micronozzles; nanosats; supersonic flow; microfluidics; small satellites; micronozzle design; nozzle design; supersonic flow; micronozzle flow; flow behaviour.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2008.016453

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2008 Vol.3 No.1, pp.80 - 113

Published online: 29 Dec 2007 *

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