Development of flow control valve for a bipropellant 400n thruster

Abstract

This project proposes the development of an electromagnetic valve to be used in the propellant + oxidizer mixture injection control on space propulsion systems. The main challenges on this research area are related to the compatibility the materials used must present to the propulsion fluids. Thermal and mechanical stability, leakage, opening and closing times also must be evaluated. As this is a product intended to be used on space missions, usually evolving high cost and high reliability systems, an extensive test champaign will be performed. FIBRAFORTE already has experience on development, integration and testing of space subsystems. In this portfolio, the development, manufacturing and integration of PMM's propulsion systems, used in Amazonia-1 and Lattes satellites, are items that must be mentioned. The know-how accumulated with this programs will be adapted to this new project, leading to time and resource savings. This work starts with a bibliographic review and a consulting to the PMM's project documentation. The objective of this first step is to create a benchmark between the previous development ant the current state of art. From this study, it will be designed, manufactured and tested a development model of the valves. This model presents the main concepts used in this project. Based on the tests performed, improvements may be proposed to the product design this will lead to a fully functional engineering model. Further, this model may be subjected to a test champaign aiming its qualification to be used in flight model satellites. (AU)