Ferroelectric plasma thruster operation under different piezoelectric resonance modes*

Summary form only given: Ferroelectric plasma thrusters (FEPTs) are being developed for several space applications, including micro-spacecraft propulsion, large scale structure vibration damping, and proximity operations. In operation, the FEPT uses electron and ion emission aided by plasma creation at the surface of a ferroelectric material to produce thrust and provide propulsion for the micro-spacecraft. The utilization of piezoelectric resonance has been found to reduce the applied voltage necessary to generate plasma in the ferroelectric plasma source. Two different resonance modes of vibration have been identified in the operation of a ferroelectric plasma source. These piezoelectric resonance modes are investigated in relation to the performance of a FEPT.