MEMS and 3D-printing microthrusters technology integrated with hydroxide-based nanoenergetic propellants

Abstract

This paper provides fundamental and engineering design principals of integrated microthrusters and microthruster arrays. The microsystems fabrication, synthesis of nanoenergetic propellants, system integration and other problems are addressed and solved. The motion and solid-state sensors can be integrated to measure physical quantities. Sensor data fusion, data acquisition, logics, control and other functions can be performed by integrated modular paradigm. For aerial vehicles and propulsion platforms, applying micro- and nanotechnologies, high thrust to weight ratio, energy density and specific impulse are ensured by high-energy nanostructured composites. The solid propellants are encapsulated in the etched voids. We developed nanostructured energetic composites based of bismuth hydroxide and aluminum nanoparticles that generate high temperature, heat, pressure and adequate gas flow. The experimental confirmation, validation and characterization of fabricated proof of concept MEMS and 3D-printing microthruster and microthrusters arrays with hydroxide nanoenergeticss propellants are reported. The sensing solutions are examined and the experimental results are described.