A novel analytical model of a MEMS vaporizing liquid micro thruster

Advances in miniaturization of power systems have produced a proliferation of micro and nano satellite designs. Thus, MEMS technology is expanding into increasingly diverse applications. A recent application of the MEMS is in the field of micro propulsion system for miniaturized satellites. Among the various types of MEMS micro thruster developed so far, the vaporizing liquid micro thruster (VLM) has been widely investigated. The theoretical simulation of a VLM entails complex thermodynamic and electro-thermal solution. In the present study, a simple analytical model of a VLM is developed based on extending the similar work carried out by Maurya. The heating process has divided to two stages. Consequently, it is demonstrated that the effective power delivered by the heater remarkably increases the thrust. The results of this analytical study and experimental efforts are found to be in good qualitative agreement.