Advanced materials for space propulsion: satellites and cubesats. Poorly controlled interactions between plasmas and surfaces often mean loss of process efficiency and surface degradation over time. For Hall thrusters, a type of engine used to move satellites in space, this means increased fuel consumption and shorter useful life. Through modelling and experiment, this project will show how intelligent selection of advanced materials and plasma parameters can minimise surface wear, enable in sit ....Advanced materials for space propulsion: satellites and cubesats. Poorly controlled interactions between plasmas and surfaces often mean loss of process efficiency and surface degradation over time. For Hall thrusters, a type of engine used to move satellites in space, this means increased fuel consumption and shorter useful life. Through modelling and experiment, this project will show how intelligent selection of advanced materials and plasma parameters can minimise surface wear, enable in situ material repair to extend device lifetime, and modulate plasma properties to increase thruster efficiency for a given task. These benefits enable reliable propulsion platforms for massive communication and observation satellite networks and deep space exploration.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190101152
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,000.00
Summary
Micro/nano-mechanical testing methodologies for interfacial adhesion. This project aims to develop reliable approaches for measuring the toughness of a variety of metal/polymer interfaces integral to contemporary flexible devices. Adhesion between metal thin film conductors and polymer substrates is a critical factor influencing the reliability of the emerging polymer-based flexible electronics. This project will develop new methodologies for understanding the behaviour of these metal/polymer in ....Micro/nano-mechanical testing methodologies for interfacial adhesion. This project aims to develop reliable approaches for measuring the toughness of a variety of metal/polymer interfaces integral to contemporary flexible devices. Adhesion between metal thin film conductors and polymer substrates is a critical factor influencing the reliability of the emerging polymer-based flexible electronics. This project will develop new methodologies for understanding the behaviour of these metal/polymer interfaces. This project will be a crucial enabler to accelerating the development of new flexible microelectronic technologies, from solar panels to electronic skin. This innovation will enable Australia to maintain an important connection to the rapidly-evolving international microelectronic industry and add significant value to Australian manufacturing industries.Read moreRead less