| Author(s): |
William C. Stone; |
| Title: |
Fast Variable-Amplitude Cold Gas Thruster |
| Published: |
March 01, 1995 |
| 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. |
| Citation: |
AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets |
| Volume: |
32 |
| Issue: |
No. 2 |
| Keywords: |
cold gas thruster; amplitude control; piezoelectric stack; structural dynamics; predictive models; system identification |
| Research Areas: |
Building and Fire Research |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (1MB) |
