PhD Studentship: High Precision Time-Resolved Thrust Measurement and Two-Dimensional Plasma Plume Diagnostics

Project title: High precision time-resolved thrust measurement and Two-dimensional plasma plume diagnostics  

Supervisory Team: Min Kwan Kim (80%) / Alexander Wittig (20%)

Project description:

This exciting PhD project offers a unique opportunity to develop a high precision time-resolved thrust balance and optical diagnostics to characterise the spatial distribution of plasma plume generated by a plasma thruster. Your research will contribute developing a novel plasma thruster, called ALPS (ALl-printed Propulsion System) by:

• Characterising plasma plumes and their interactions: By providing a comprehensive set of time-resolved plasma parameters in plasma plume generated by ALPS, you will investigate how a magnetic nozzle can affect the plume expansion.
• Measuring thrust under wide operating conditions: High-resolution thrust stand using magnetic levitation will be designed to provide direct thrust measurements with temporal resolution. Using the developed thrust stand, you will investigate the effect of energy input on the ALPS performance and develop an electromagnetic acceleration mechanism on the ALPS.

The ALPS is a standalone electric propulsion system that is designed to shorten a spacecraft’s orbital lifetime at the end of the mission (EoM) and/or enable controlled re-entry and safe recovery of 1 - 3U CubeSats. In principle, the ALPS is a cluster of thin layer vacuum arc thrusters, called “Pixel”. Compared to current propulsion systems, the ALPS provides a unique solution in the propulsion system for 1-3U CubeSat and a DiskSat.

This PhD project will push the boundaries of micro propulsion technology by developing novel thrust measurement and plume diagnostics technique. This project is also part of the UK Space Agency's National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), offering you the opportunity to contribute to real-world thruster development.

Benefits for the candidate: Gain invaluable experience in plasma and space propulsion research and be part of a team poised to revolutionise future space propulsion technologies.

This studentship offers:

• Full UK tuition fees coverage
• Competitive annual stipend (EPSRC rate): £18,622 (tax-free) for up to 3.5 years
• Eligibility: Ideal candidates will have a first-class degree in a relevant engineering discipline (Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, etc.) or Applied Mathematics.
• Open to: Both EU and UK applicants are welcome.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Minkwan Kim, Astronautics Research Group, Email: m.k.kim@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2716.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

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: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £18,198 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Minkwan Kim

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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