MEMS technology microthrusters and nanoenergetic materials for micropropulsion systems

Abstract

Mini and micro air vehicles, missiles, guided munitions, projectiles and ordinances are controlled by control surfaces, thrust-vectoring and varying thrust. Microthrusters are key components of some classes of flight and naval vehicles. Solid-fuel rockets and microthrusters use solid propellants. Vehicles positioning, altitude control, orbital maneuver, aerodynamic orbit phasing and rotational manoeuvres are controlled. Enabled agility and maneuverability are achieved by advanced control schemes and propulsion systems. We examine microthrusters with solid propellants for micro- and miniature flight and naval vehicles. Fundamental, applied and experimental research and technology developments are performed by devising, designing and evaluating multi-physics MEMS technology microthrusters and propulsion systems with manoenergetic materials.