Fast Variable-Amplitude Cold Gas Thruster.
Fast Variable-Amplitude Cold Gas Thruster.
(1353 K)
Stone, W. C.
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 32, No. 2,
335-343, March/April 1995.
Keywords:
cold gas thruster; amplitude control; piezoelectric
stack; structural dynamics; predictive models; system
identification
Abstract:
A fast response variable amplitude cold gas thruster is
described. A laboratory prototype comprised of a
piezoelectric stack and an associated
microporcessor-based programmable dc power source, a
low-loss mechanical displacement amplifier, a
high-pressure spring-loaded axial valve, an integral
high-pressure valve seat; an expansion nozzle, and a
high-pressure gas supply were constructed and tested.
The device is designed to operate as a stand-alone unit
with a dedicated onboard microcontroller system and
onboard energy storage system. Minimum pulse-width
resolution (base-to-base) was shown to be 0.98 ms, with
a lag time of 0.37 ms relative to the initiation of the
drive pulse. Linear amplitude response was achieved
beyond a threshold drive voltage of 80 vdc and was
maintained through the limit of testing at 240 vdc.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899