Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The global satellite industry is exponentially increasing the use of small satellites, which offer low-power thrusting, wide-angle maneuverability and value for discovery, observation, patrolling and commercial missions. Attitude control thrusters, restraining the orientation of the axis of satellites orbiting in space, can be fueled with metastable intermolecular composites (MICs), which have emerged as a green alternative and a disruptive, high-energy-density, and low-cost fuel component. Three obstacles need to be overcome in order to commercialize MICs based thrusters: producing a sustainable and high flame speed; generating high gas pressure; and increasing charge density above 50% theoretical maximum density. To address these challenges, Dr. Wen and Dr. Hickey are developing novel MIC technologies to improve formulations and nanostructures and redesigning satellite thrusters that can leverage their unique properties. We are requesting a simultaneous particle size, trajectory, and temperature diagnosis system (SPTTD) to scale down visualization and analysis to the reacting interface between the solid fuel and its products. This investigation is essential to test the MICs' characteristics and to enable the direct analysis of reaction kinetics and thermodynamic states of the reacting fuel particles. Without the requested equipment, it is not possible to visualize phenomena associated with the actual reaction interface between the pellet and the plume, nor to acquire the images and trajectory of injected aluminum particles in the plume. The novel technology developed by the PIs will lead to breakthrough solid propellants and engine technologies which is transferrable to the space industry. Combining PI Hickey's thruster design and modeling with PI Wen's novel MIC formulae will enable the manufacture of next-generation drones or small satellites powered MICs. This is impossible without the requested SPTTD system, which will allow the applicants and their collaborators to measure synchronized particle trajectory, flow velocity and temperature singles with temporal and spatial resolutions that are critical for pellet and device design. Importantly, accurate experimental data will enable the development of numerical models that will guide future thruster and engine design. To seize the growing market opportunity in manufacturing small satellites, Canada urgently needs to foster research and development and HQP training in the sector. The requested SPTTD system will fill the need of specialized Space research facility in Southern Ontario and enable Drs. Wen and Hickey, their HQP and collaborators to perform vital propellant assessment and thrust evaluations. This is critical for moving innovation out of the lab and will facilitate propulsion technology breakthroughs and knowledge transfer that will bring new quaternary fuel-based thrusters for attitude control of small satellites and drones to the market.