Simulation of self-neutralization techniques for charged particle thrusters

Abstract

There is an emerging class of nanospacecraft thrusters under development that use colloids or nanoparticles that can be charged either positively or negatively to provide thrust. An issue to be examined is how the ability to charge equal number of particles to both polarities is beneficial to the system in terms of being able to provide self-neutralization of the thruster1. An important consideration here is that, unlike traditional ion thruster technology, which emit a single particle polarity and is separately neutralized by highly mobile electrons, this neutralization scheme will be predicated on equal charge, equal mass, massive, cold particles to provide neutralization. Thus, different issues need to be examined, such as strong electric fields near the spacecraft.