通过设计与推进剂优化拓展霍尔推力器航天器推进系统的工作范围

本项目研究如何优化霍尔推力器，以提升推力调节灵活性和燃料效率。研究将分析推力器数据库并测试不同几何结构及替代推进剂（包括动态切换），以拓展这类关键航天器推进系统的工作范围。

About the project Hall thrusters efficiently propel many spacecraft but offer limited thrust flexibility. This project aims to extend their operational range, from higher thrust to high fuel efficiency. Using thruster databases, optimisation, simulations, and experimental validation, you'll investigate thruster geometries and alternative propellants, including dynamic propellant switching, to improve mission adaptability. Hall ion thrusters are the dominate type of propulsion used in space, used on the majority of spacecraft as their primary propulsion system. This includes many different spacecraft missions, from Earth observation constellations, geostationary satellites, to interplanetary missions. Thanks to their higher ion velocities, they are considerably more fuel efficient than chemical rockets, leading to more capable systems that can complete larger orbital changes than alternatives. However, the operational range of Hall thrusters is relatively small, limited to lower thrusts than chemical propulsion systems, which is limiting the spacecraft’s ability to dynamically respond to mission changes, i.e. move quickly in response to mission changes. In this project you'll investigate extending the operational range of Hall ion thrusters, in terms of extending a given Hall thruster to operate towards a higher thrust operation, whilst still having the capability for fuel-efficient high ion velocity operation as well. This will be completed using our database of existing Hall thrusters, investigating their operational range and capabilities, identifying particular thruster geometries (channel diameter, width, etc.), that can lead to potentially lead to greater operational range. You'll also investigate the potential of using different gaseous propellants, including the ability to switch dynamically the propellants to further extend the range as the mission scenarios requires. Work will be based on a data optimisation investigation, followed by Hall thruster simulation, and experimental testing and validation of the thruster.

Entry requirements You must have at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in aerospace engineering and related disciplines. Desirable skills: familiarity with, or experience of, experimental design and testing interest in spacecraft propulsion and experimental research

Funding: Competition funded Fees and funding For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30k per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

How to apply Please apply via the online portal and select: Academic year: 2027/28 If you will be full time or part time Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences Search for "complex integrated systems" Select either PhD or EngD – if you are unsure, select PhD Add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application Applications should include: your CV (resumé) 2 academic references degree transcripts and certificates to date