Molecular dynamics studies of ionic liquid-surface interactions for electrospray thrusters

Abstract Electrospray thrusters are of particular interest for micropropulsion because their compactness, high specific impulse, and ability to operate over very long periods time. However, particles on the periphery plume susceptible collide with extractor grid, which may reduce efficiency limit lifetime electrospray thruster. Therefore, a thorough characterization collision process byproducts is crucial understanding long-term surface effects overcoming lifetime-limiting mechanisms. This study attempts investigate particle impingement grid using molecular dynamics simulations two different models. The first model based non-reactive force field used dissociation ionic bonds. second reactive breaking covalent In both cases, statistical analysis carried out initial configuration molecule. major results this are: (1) inference probability curves in function impact energy temperatures ranging from 300K 1000K, (2) prediction mass spectra post-collision. indicate strong correlation between energies smaller than 60 eV. predicted that collisions more likely produce light whereas weak tend heavier molecules.