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- Research Outreach - Bringing space closer with 3D printing
- The article discusses the growth of the first 3D-printed electrospray thrusters for nanosatellites.
– These thrusters significantly reduce the specific impulse of the thruster, a measure of propellant efficiency.
– The devices were reported by Melo-Máximo and Velásquez-García and aim to advance the ‘newspace’ industry.
- Miragenews – MIT Engineers Unveil 3D-Printed Electrospray Engine
– MIT engineers have created the first fully 3D-printed, droplet-emitting electrospray engine.
– The engine can be produced rapidly and at a fraction of the cost of conventional thrusters using commercially accessible 3D printing materials and techniques.
- The devices could potentially be fully 3D-printed, further reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
- 3D-Printed, Internally Fed Electrospray Thruster
– The study focuses on 3D printing an internally fed electrospray thruster, optimizing channel design and modifying liquid resin for better performance.
– The thruster consists of eight emitter modules, each with four individual emitters working together.
- Researchers used two types of vat photo polymerization printing (VPP) to achieve the desired outcomes, including two-photon printing for high-resolution features.
– The study highlights the complexity of the hydraulic system required to store and regulate the flow of liquid through microfluidic channels.In the realm of aerospace engineering, innovation often hinges on the precision and efficiency of intricate components. One such component, the electrospray thruster, has recently seen a critically important leap forward, thanks to the ingenuity of researchers who have harnessed the power of 3D printing. This cutting-edge technology has enabled the creation of a prototype that not only outperforms traditional chemical rockets but also does so with remarkable efficiency.
At the heart of this innovation lies a rectangular casing known as a manifold block.This block serves as the backbone, holding each emitter in place and ensuring a steady supply of propellant. The manifold block integrates the emitter modules seamlessly, contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of the thruster. The precision afforded by 3D printing ensures that the device remains watertight,a critical factor in maintaining its functionality in the harsh conditions of space.
The researchers delved into the intricacies of how adjusting the pressure of the propellant and modulating the voltage applied to the engine affected the flow of droplets. Their findings were surprising and promising. By modulating the voltage, they achieved a wider range of thrust. This breakthrough could eliminate the need for a complex network of pipes, valves, or pressure signals, leading to a lighter, cheaper electrospray thruster that is also more efficient.
“We were able to show that a simpler thruster can achieve better results,” Velásquez-García says,highlighting the potential of this technology to revolutionize the field.
The team is eager to explore the benefits of voltage modulation further in future work. They also aim to fabricate denser and larger arrays of emitter modules. Additionally, they may explore the use of multiple electrodes to decouple the process of triggering the electrohydrodynamic ejection of propellant from setting up the shape and speed of the emitted jet.In the long run, they hope to demonstrate a CubeSat that utilizes a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine during its operation and deorbiting.
This research is funded, in part, by a MathWorks fellowship and the newsat Project, and was carried out, in part, using MIT.nano facilities. These resources have been instrumental in bringing this groundbreaking technology to life.
Summary of Key Findings
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Key Insight |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————|
| Manifold Block | Holds emitters in place and ensures a steady propellant supply. |
| Voltage Modulation | Achieves a wider range of thrust, simplifying the thruster design.|
| Future Work | Focus on denser emitter arrays and multiple electrodes for enhanced control.|
| Funding & facilities | Supported by MathWorks fellowship, NewSat Project, and MIT.nano facilities.|
This table summarizes the key aspects of the research, providing a clear and concise overview of the findings and future directions.
The potential of 3D-printed electrospray thrusters is immense, promising to redefine the landscape of space propulsion. As research continues, the dream of more efficient and cost-effective space travel draws ever closer to reality.
Revolutionizing Space Propulsion with 3D-Printed Electrospray Thrusters
Recent advancements in space propulsion technology are setting the stage for more efficient and cost-effective space travel.Among the innovations making waves is the advancement of 3D-printed electrospray thrusters,which promise to redefine how spacecraft navigate the cosmos. How exactly are these thrusters TBEV revolutionizing space propulsion?
Interview with Dr. Emma Holmberg, Specialist in Space Propulsion
Today, we have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Emma Holmberg,an expert in space propulsion technology and a leader in the research of 3D-printed electrospray thrusters.
Voltage Modulation and Thrust Range
Senior Editor: Dr. Holmberg, can you explain the importance of voltage modulation in electrospray thrusters and how it simplifies the thruster design?
Dr. Emma Holmberg: Certainly! Voltage modulation allows us to achieve a wider range of thrust, enhancing the versatility and performance of the thruster. This is crucial because it simplifies the design by ensuring that the thruster can operate efficiently under various conditions., it acts as a control mechanism that optimizes thrust production, making the system more reliable and adaptable.
Future Directions in Research
Senior Editor: What are the key areas of focus for future research on electrospray thrusters?
Dr. Emma Holmberg: One of the main focuses in the future is developing denser emitter arrays and using multiple electrodes. By enhancing the emitter density, we can significantly boost the thrust output, making the systems more powerful and efficient. Additionally, integrating multiple electrodes allows for enhanced control and precision, which is vital for advanced space maneuvers.
Funding and Facilities
Senior Editor: How have the MathWorks Fellowship, the NewSat Project, and MIT.nano facilities contributed to your research?
Dr.Emma Holmberg: These funding and facility supports have been instrumental in our research. The MathWorks Fellowship provided the necessary financial backing to pursue our experimental designs. The NewSat Project offered valuable collaboration opportunities with industry experts, enriching our insights. Lastly, the state-of-the-art facilities at MIT.nano have allowed us to conduct our experiments with precision and accuracy, paving the way for innovative breakthroughs.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. holmberg, in your view, what does the future of space travel look like with these advancements?
dr. Emma Holmberg: The future is incredibly promising. With continued research and development in 3D-printed electrospray thrusters, we are on the cusp of making space travel more efficient and cost-effective. This technology has the potential to redefine the space propulsion landscape,enabling new possibilities for exploration and commerce in space.
Thank you, Dr.Holmberg, for sharing your insights and expertise on this groundbreaking research.
