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Ryan Pahl and Jason Thrasher
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Advisor: Dr. Hank Pernicka
Abstract
Due to the size and mass limitations of micro-class thrusters, conventional means of gathering thrust and mass flow rates become problematic. In order to measure these quantities, micro-mass balances have been introduced which can accurately determine thrust values on the order of micro-Newtons. However, a serious limitation is the fact that the stand must be specifically constructed for a specific thrust level which means multiple stands must be constructed if various types of thrusters are to be used. This research is focusing on developing an adjustable stand that is capable of providing accurate thrust measurements for thrusters ranging from a few micro-Newtons to the milli-Newton range. By changing the length of the moment arm of the stand, one stand can be used to evaluate the capabilities of several thrusters without the need to re-design, saving both time and money.
NOTE: This project was sponsored by NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
Ryan Pahl, is a Master of Science degree candidate in Aerospace Engineering at the Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Jason Thrasher is a native of Ellisville, MO, in west St. Louis County. He is a junior at Missouri University of Science and Technology in the Aerospace Engineering department. During his first two years at Missouri S&T, Jason was a member of the Formula SAE design team. There he designed the body of the car and tested it's aerodynamic characteristics using both CFD and wind tunnel testing. He is currently a member of the M-Sat satellite design team. Last summer was Jason's first internship, during which he worked at Georgian Aerospace in Chesterfield, MO. There he designed repairs for Navy T-39s and private jets. This summer, Jason will be working for the solid rocket motor division of Alliant Techsystems in Maryland. After graduation, Jason plans on continuing his studies in graduate school.
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