Foundations of next-generation electrospray propulsion

Organization
Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
Reference Code
IC-16-23
How to Apply

Create and release your Profile on Zintellect – Postdoctoral applicants must create an account and complete a profile in the on-line application system.  Please note: your resume/CV may not exceed 2 pages.

Complete your application – Enter the rest of the information required for the IC Postdoc Program Research Opportunity. The application itself contains detailed instructions for each one of these components: availability, citizenship, transcripts, dissertation abstract, publication and presentation plan, and information about your Research Advisor co-applicant.

Application Deadline
4/15/2016 6:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

Electrospray propulsion systems operate by emitting ionic species or droplets of ionic liquid ion sources (molten salts) through a Taylor cone extraction process at moderate voltages (<2kW). This is typically facilitated by a preformed tip.

This research project is focused on developing new methods for Taylor cone emission (such as improved emitter fabrication) and synthesis and/or evaluation of the performance of novel ionic liquids to enable high thrust density arrays (>100mN/m^2).

The goal of this effort is to demonstrate pathways to systems with 10-100X state-of-the art (>1-10 N/m^2).

Example Approaches

Example approaches include single-emitter fabrication, space charge simulation, and small-scale demonstration of an operating thruster array. 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Business (11 )
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
    • Physics (16 )
    • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
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