Solid Propellant Microthruster: Theory of Operation and Modelling Strategy

A modelling strategy for a microthruster array based on solid fuel is presented. We review the theory of operation of the microthruster that includes an electrothermal process, ignition, sustained combustion, membrane rupture and gas dynamics. The recommended level of theory is chosen to answer practical engineering questions, so as to make the recommended models feasible to develop and optimize. Special attention is paid to transferring the resulting models to existing software for electrical circuit simulation to permit the development of intelligent electrical driving circuits. The methods of automatic model reduction are presented and the most appropriate method for a microthruster array is chosen.