A computational multiphysics study of a satellite thruster

Journal article


Lepore, M. A., Piller, M., Guagliano, M. and Maligno, A. 2025. A computational multiphysics study of a satellite thruster. Engineering Proceedings. 85 (1), pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025085014
AuthorsLepore, M. A., Piller, M., Guagliano, M. and Maligno, A.
Abstract

This work concerns a study of the thermomechanical behaviour of a commercial thruster for aerospace use. The thruster, operated using a bipropellant liquid mixture, is used for the motion and in-orbit altitude control of small telecommunications satellites. The mixture used in the combustion process is composed of propylene and nitrous oxide, while the wall of the thruster is made of PH15-5 stainless steel. A computational fluid dynamics analysis of conjugate heat transfer determines the spatial–temporal distribution of temperature within the thruster wall. This information is passed to a finite element mechanical model that simulates the stress and the equivalent plastic strain distribution within the thruster wall.

Keywordsaerospace thruster; liquid propellant; thermal-stress analysis
Year2025
Journal Engineering Proceedings
Journal citation85 (1), pp. 1-10
PublisherMDPI
ISSN2673-4591
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025085014
Web address (URL)https://www.mdpi.com/journal/engproc
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Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates14 Feb 2025
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Deposited11 Mar 2025
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