Pulsed thrust measurements using electromagnetic calibration techniques.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Experimental Physics
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate measurement of small impulse bits is critical for evaluating micropropulsion systems.
• Existing methods for measuring low thrust often face challenges with accuracy and calibration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel thrust stand for precise measurement of impulse bits ranging from 10-1000 μN·s.
• To implement a noncontact electromagnetic calibration technique for enhanced accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Designed a permanent magnet structure for a uniform magnetic field.
• Fabricated a multiturn coil to generate a calibration force under 10 mN.
• Utilized a pulsed plasma thruster for initial testing and validation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated linear relationship between electromagnetic calibration force and coil current.
• Observed less than 2.5% change in calibration force with a 6 mm distance variation.
• Measured an average impulse bit of 310 μN·s for a pulsed plasma thruster.
• Quantified measurement uncertainty at 10 μN·s with 95% credibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed thrust stand provides accurate and reliable measurements of small impulse bits.
• The noncontact electromagnetic calibration technique is effective and robust for thrust stand applications.
• This instrument is suitable for characterizing the performance of micropropulsion devices.