The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Spacecraft Propulsion Section, part of the Spacecraft Engineering Division, maintains active research in the formation and detection of plasma in extreme environments with a focus on hypersonics. The development plasma-based systems finds broad applications in both aerospace and plasma engineering. In the area of hypersonics, the NRL Spacecraft Propulsion Section is developing technologies for electron transpiration cooling (ETC) to enhance the cooling of aerodynamic surfaces.

We seek excellent candidates to support research and development of ETC technologies. This includes the measurement of plasma properties using in-situ probes, optical diagnostics, and thermal measurement techniques to understand the physics that drives ETC and its overall efficiency. The candidate will then translate this fundamental understanding of the underlying principles into novel designs that improve system efficiency. The candidate will make use of modern manufacturing techniques for rapid prototyping and investigate the use of new materials to achieve the program goals. A highly qualified candidate will have a strong foundation in low-temperature plasma physics and demonstrated experience with generating RF plasmas, with standard plasma diagnostics such as RF compensated Langmuir probes, materials characterization experience (e.g. X-Ray diffraction) and CAD.

Candidates will interface with personnel in both the Spacecraft Engineering Division’s Propulsion and Hypersonic Sections. Facilities available include high-vacuum test chambers and supporting equipment for plasma operation and plasma diagnostic evaluation in representative aerospace environments, dedicated ultra-high vacuum material characterization facilities, a wide variety of plasma diagnostic tools, high-power laser equipment, and access to DoD HPC simulation resources.

key words

Thermionic Emission; Plasma; Cathode; Hypersonic; Aerodynamics; Aerothermal; Materials; Diagnostics; Instrumentation; Shock; Electron; Vacuum; Fluids; Modeling

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants