We conduct studies in Electric Propulsion for spacecraft ranging from theory to laboratory experiments and data analysis. Example devices include Hall-effect thrusters (HETs), Electrospray thrusters, Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) thrusters, RF and Microwave Electro-thermal thrusters, MPDs, Pulse Inductive Thrusters, Helicon thrusters, Electromagnetic thrusters and other advanced concepts. Possible research topics including charged particle beams, HET plasma physics, spacecraft plume interactions, facility interactions, plasma diagnostic development, and high voltage systems. Strong emphasis is put on leveraging data-driven modeling coupled with laboratory experiments to better understand 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

key words

Electric propulsion; low temperature plasmas; plasma thrusters; electrospray; data-driven modeling; Experimental; spacecraft propulsion; dynamical systems

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.