Work

Atmospheric EAD grid thruster performance: a theoretical–experimental approach on geometry and pressure effects

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this work, a wire-to-grid electroaerodynamic thruster is experimentally investigated in a low-pressure environment. The study explores the influence of electrode gap d and ambient pressure p on thrust density T / A , thrust-to-power ratio T / P , and corona current i c . A dedicated test rig is designed to operate within a low-pressure chamber, which is equipped with diagnostics for thrust and electrical measurements. Experimental results are compared with a revised physical model. The findings validate the theoretical framework and reveal that thruster performance is highly sensitive to both pressure and electrode spacing. Overall performance degrades with decreasing pressure, while optimal values of T / A and T / P require a trade-off in the selection of gap. Measurements of ignition and breakdown voltages further define the operational envelope, showing an expansion with increasing pressure.

Source: Journal of Physics D Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/ae251d

Authors: D Usuelli, A Favalli, S Trovato, R Terenzi, M Belan

Institution: Politecnico di Milano

Language: English

Topic: Aerosol Filtration and Electrostatic Precipitation

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325

Funders: European Commission, HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council