About the Project
Electric propulsion for small satellites is currently revolutionizing satellite engineering, for example electric propulsion is to be used to orbit raise the OneWeb constellation of satellites. Hall Effect Thrusters (HET’s) are often the best option for high performance electric propulsion, offering good thrust and specific impulse values. Within the thruster the propellant, typically xenon, is ionized, and accelerated to high velocities. Xenon offers reasonable levels of thrust, is stable and non-reactive, and is almost exclusively used in space. However it is expensive, its storage density is low, and alternatives have considerably lower ionization potentials.
There is a strong interest in developing HET’s that utilize alternative propellants, especially so for micro-satellites (< 100 Kg) where cost and volume are particularly constrained. Considerable work is now on-going in the research community to investigate using iodine, bismuth, and other elements. It has been demonstrated that these offer performance comparable to xenon, but in a smaller system volume and at less cost. There are various start-up companies trying to initiate the exploitation of the technology, for example Exotrail, Orbion Space Technologies, or Orion Fusion, demonstrating the strong industrial interest in this technology.
This PhD scholarship will consist of developing a Hall Effect Thruster to operate on alternative propellants, focusing on zinc, magnesium and iodine. Good initial work has been completed on developing such a system at Southampton, including a prototype thruster and propellant delivery system. This PhD scholarship will extend the work towards an investigation of the thruster’s operational window, thrust measurements, and an understanding of the thruster operation through various probes.
The work will be in collaboration with OHB Sweden, Sweden’s leading space satellite company. They will provide first phase guidance, expertise on the HET results and views on future architecture. The studentship will include the possibility of an industrial placement for several months for the student, likely in their second year of studies.
The PhD student will work within the dynamic research group of Dr Charlie Ryan, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) within the Astronautics Group at the University of Southampton; https://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/about/staff/cnr1e15.page
Funding and Eligibility
This 3 year studentship covers UK/EU level tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at the standard EPSRC rate, which is £15,009 for 2019/20.
The funding available is competitive and will only be awarded to an outstanding applicant. As part of the selection process, the strength of the whole application is taken into account, including academic qualifications, personal statement, CV and references.
For further guidance on funding, please contact [Email Address Removed]
How to Apply
Click here to apply and select the programme - PhD in Engineering and the Environment. Please enter the title of the PhD Studentship in the application form.
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