PIM Materials: W and Re Ion Emitter-Crowns and Needles for [mu]N Space Thruster Elements Manufactured by MIM

For very accurate positioning of satellites µN-thrusters are required. These thrusters consist of ion emitters, which are typically made of W or Re. This study focuses on the investigation of needles (diameter 200-400µm) and emitter-crowns manufactured by MIM. Realizing extremely high aspect ratios...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEuropean Congress and Exhibition on Powder Metallurgy. European PM Conference Proceedings p. 1
Main Authors Wilfinger, T, Feuerstein, E, Kitzmantel, M, Neubauer, E, Tajmar, M
Format Conference Proceeding
LanguageEnglish
Published Shrewsbury The European Powder Metallurgy Association 01.01.2014
Subjects
Raw materials
Sintering
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Summary:For very accurate positioning of satellites µN-thrusters are required. These thrusters consist of ion emitters, which are typically made of W or Re. This study focuses on the investigation of needles (diameter 200-400µm) and emitter-crowns manufactured by MIM. Realizing extremely high aspect ratios (up to 1:200) in combination with controlling of porosity and density gradient in the material is essential for this application and needs to address following topics: advanced binder system, suitable starting powders, carefully adjusted injection molding parameters. After the development of the injection step, the sintering process and its influence on the densification behavior was studied. The above described application of a space propulsion system needs precise control of porosity and resulting capillary effects within the manufactured W and Re structures. Distinctive open porosity and density gradients were realized including denser cores and porous outer layer. The produced needles and crowns are currently tested for the use in ultra-precise formation flying space systems and terrestrial applications.