E-Thesis 25 views
Investigation and Optimisation of a Novel Class of Electric Propulsion for Spacecraft, Utilising Experimental and Computational Methods / JOSEFF STURROCK
Swansea University Author: JOSEFF STURROCK
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.71977
Abstract
This research project focuses on developing a novel class of electric propulsion for spacecraft.The driving force behind the propulsion system’s thrust is ferromagnetic attraction. A coilgun type system was developed, to accelerate microscopic pieces of iron to high velocities. This creates a reacti...
| Published: |
Swansea
2026
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Zoran J., Ben E. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71977 |
| Abstract: |
This research project focuses on developing a novel class of electric propulsion for spacecraft.The driving force behind the propulsion system’s thrust is ferromagnetic attraction. A coilgun type system was developed, to accelerate microscopic pieces of iron to high velocities. This creates a reaction force which propels the spacecraft. The design process focused on propulsion systems for a 1U CubeSat. This was also extrapolated to 3U CubeSats, as well as spacecraft of significantly higher mass and volume. Experimental work was conducted in order to validate the computational methodology. The millimetre scale physical experiments were simulated and the differences between these were extrapolated to the micron scale simulated prototypes. This research project is a proof-of-concept study. It explores the performance and viability of micron-scale ferromagnetic coilguns. To the author’s best knowledge, this has never been studied as a method of spacecraft propulsion. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to study and compare nanosatellite propulsion systems. The conclusions of the feasibility studies suggest that the novel propulsion system can provide a thrust-to-power ratio higher than any other existing nanosatellite propulsion system. The system provides many avenues for exploration, with a design that allows for flexibility in performance metrics. It was found that the system increases in propulsive efficiency at larger scales. This makes it best suited for larger spacecraft. The performance metrics of the novel thruster system give emphasis to thrust. This should allow drag compensation for nanosatellites operating in Very Low Earth Orbit. |
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| Keywords: |
Aerospace Engineering, Spacecraft Engineering, Spacecraft Propulsion, Satellites, Satellite Propulsion, Coilgun, Electric Propulsion |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |