Investigation of alternative configurations of sub 100 W power Hall thrusters

Project title: Investigation of alternative configurations of sub 100 W power Hall thrusters  

Supervisory Team: Charlie Ryan

Project description:

Electric propulsion (EP) continues to revolutionise space travel. Their intrinsic higher exhaust velocity enables new spacecraft missions, including large orbital changes for example enabling the redeployment of satellites over Ukraine for improved communication following the Russian invasion.

The vast majority of EP-enabled spacecraft utilise Hall thrusters, which offer performance at the ‘sweet spot’ in terms of a high exhaust velocity, but still satisfactory. However Hall thrusters currently fall short in terms of performance when operated at input power levels less than 100 W. This simple fact that micro-Hall thrusters do not work well is resulting in their intrinsic advantages for larger satellites not being exploitable for smaller satellites, directly effecting the manoeuvrability of micro (

This PhD study will investigate the loss in performance of micro-Hall thrusters through diagnostics of our current conventional micro-Hall thrusters, to gain further insight into the loss mechanisms involved. This investigation will be followed with a detailed simulation and experimental evaluation of different Hall thruster configurations, changing the geometry of the ceramic channel, and in particular the magnetic field, to evaluate whether changes in design configuration help alleviate the substantial performance losses.

The work will build upon previous work developing small Hall thrusters (link) and cylindrical thrusters (link), our database of Hall thrusters (link), and our world class ion thruster testing facilities.

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre.

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.

For informal discussions with regards to the PhD, please contact Dr Charlie Ryan, c.n.ryan@soton.ac.uk:

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate, Email cisdns@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online:  HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (2024-25)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Charlie Ryan

Advert information