Performance evaluation and flow visualization of a MEMS based vaporizing liquid micro-thruster

MEMS micro-thruster is promising for future applications in precision formation flying missions. This paper presents performance evaluation and two-phase flow pattern visualization of a vaporized liquid micro-thruster (VLM). Micro-thrust force of several milli-Newtons was measured by a test rig with a lever. Flow patterns in the micro-thruster chip were visualized by a high speed camera bonded with a microscope. We found that flow patterns influenced its specific impulse and there were several types of flow boiling patterns in the thruster chip. Thrust instability was discussed as well. The results are helpful to understand flow characteristics of a VLM and improve its performance. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.