Modeling of an ionic liquid electrospray using a molecular dynamics model

Arnaud Borner, Zheng Li, Deborah A. Levin

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

Abstract

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to investigate the behavior of the EMIM-BF4 ionic liquid for conditions similar to those of electrospray thrusters. To study the physics of ion extrusion a large system composed of approximately 2,160 ion pairs was placed inside a platinum capillary and equilibrated. An electric field was applied to the system in the longitudinal direction and the fraction of solvated and non-solvated emitted ions, as well as the internal configuration of those clusters, were analyzed. A moving potential wall model was used to generate a mass flow inside the capillary and a Taylor cone was observed in the case of an extrusion event with ionic liquid mass flow. Currents were measured when the mass flow was varied and values were matched with theoretical scaling laws.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Print)9781600869358
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012 - Atlanta, GA, United States
Duration: Jul 30 2012Aug 1 2012

Publication series

Name48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012

Conference

Conference48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta, GA
Period7/30/128/1/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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