Coupled molecular dynamics - One-dimensional PIC simulations of ionic liquid electrospray thrusters

A. Borner, D. Levin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to model an electrospray thruster for the ionic liquid (IL) EMIM-BF4 using a coarse-grained (CG) potential. A one-dimensional electric field was computed by the use of a Particle-In-Cell (PIC) solver and coupled to the MD program. The electrical extrusion of the IL was studied for different electric field strengths and mass flow rates. The MD simulations provide the first insight into the atomistic modeling of a capillary-tip-extractor system, the basic elements of an electrospray thruster. Current distributions and anion and cation behavior were characterized and compare reasonably well with measurements. Moreover, the role of inhomogeneities in the electric field as well as that of the IL space-charge most likely will improve agreement between modeling and experiment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2013 19th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, PPC 2013
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event2013 19th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, PPC 2013 - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 16 2013Jun 21 2013

Publication series

NameDigest of Technical Papers-IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference

Other

Other2013 19th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, PPC 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period6/16/136/21/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Coupled molecular dynamics - One-dimensional PIC simulations of ionic liquid electrospray thrusters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this