We conduct studies in Electric Propulsion for spacecraft ranging from theory to laboratory experiments and data analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on learning how to develop control, critical diagnostics, digital twins, and feedback loops to enable test-on-orbit capabilities to reduce the development life cycle of thrusters. Thrusters of interest include Hall-effect thrusters (HETs), electrospray thrusters, Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) thrusters, RF thrusters, magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, pulse Inductive Thrusters, and other advanced concepts. Possible research topics include HET plasma physics investigation, spacecraft plume interaction studies, plasma diagnostic development, autonomy and control algorithm development, and sensor correlation and fusion development. Strong emphasis is put on leveraging data-driven modeling coupled with laboratory experiments to better understand how to control electric propulsion devices.

References

Goebel, Dan M., and Ira Katz. Fundamentals of electric propulsion: ion and Hall thrusters. Vol. 1. John Wiley & Sons, 2008.

Brown, Daniel L., Brian E. Beal, and James M. Haas. "Air Force Research Laboratory high power electric propulsion technology development." 2010 IEEE Aerospace Conference. IEEE, 2010.

PA Case Number AFRL-2022-0525

Electric propulsion; low temperature plasmas; plasma thrusters; Hall thruster; data-driven modeling; control algorithm; spacecraft propulsion; dynamical systems; diagnostics

citizenship

Open to U.S. citizens

level

Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.