Speaker
Mr
Mahlomola Cwele
(Wits University)
Description
A U-Shaped plasma-propelled DC-discharge microthruster has been designed by the school of physics and its various properties are under examination. This study examines the quasi-neutral plasma which constitutes the exhaust plume of the Argon-propelled thruster by means of a mobile Langmuir Probe. The probe and its moving mechanism are designed, constructed and controlled as part of the study along with a computerized mechatronic and analytical system which forms part of the probe diagnostics. The study produces various properties of the plume, which include the local ion and electron temperatures, the local plasma potential, the local floating probe potential, The local ion saturation current and the local electron saturation current. Each of these Properties is collected for complete region which constitutes the wake of the thruster.
This study will inform future studies of which the purpose will be to optimize the basic design of the microthrusters.
Supervisor details<br><b>If not a student, type N/A.</b><br>Student abstract submision<br>requires supervisor permission:<br>please give their name,<br> institution and email address.
Dr Philippe Ferrer
Email : Philippe.Ferrer@wits.ac.za
Institution : University of the Witwatersrand
Department : School of Physics
| Please confirm that you<br>have carefully read the<br>abstract submission instructions<br>under the menu item<br>"Call for Abstracts"<br><b>(Yes / No)</b> | Yes |
|---|---|
| Consideration for<br>student awards<br><b>Choose one option<br>from those below.</b><br>N/A<br>Hons<br>MSc<br>PhD | MSc |
Primary author
Mr
Mahlomola Cwele
(Wits University)
