On the cone-to-jet transition region and its significance in electrospray propulsion

Abstract

A novel method for identifying the cone-to-jet transition region is proposed to characterize the electrospray dynamics, and thus the Taylor cone, a fundamental principle of ion extraction from the tip of the Taylor cone in an electric field to produce μN thrust for nanosatellites' application. A numerical model is developed and validated against the droplet's diameter with a proper characterization of the cone-to-jet transition region based on the hydrodynamic pressure gradient at the cone-jet axis. The results show that the cone-to-jet transition region is reduced when the electric potential increases and the flow rate decreases. Moreover, the current density is found to be higher for the lower flow rate and large electric potential. Interestingly, the current density at the jet axis increases significantly at the flow rate of 1 cc/hr. This implies that below a certain droplet diameter, the current density carried by the jet interface is completely migrated into the jet, and the substantial change in the current density occurs within the cone-to-jet transition region. When comparing the current density along the jet axis, the small flow rate and large electric potential carry the maximum current density at the jet interface. The identification of cone-to-jet transition region is central in modeling the ion beam trajectory via initial current density profile required for particle-in-cell calculation for assuring the performance of a field emission electric propulsion thruster.