Performance Testing of Various Nozzle Designs for Water Electrolysis Thruster

The purpose of this research is to develop new nozzles for the HYDROS thruster to improve the current flight performance. This research consists of a base line test of the factory nozzle, as well as testing of three additional nozzles with different characteristics. Experiments were conducted with different plenum pressures to ensure the thruster is throttleable. Thrust data was collected through measuring the impulse bit of each firing using a torsional balance thrust stand. Analysis of the thruster performance included calculations of thrust, specific impulse, and coefficient of thrust. Experimental results of all four nozzles will show how the nozzle length and expansion ratio affect thrust performance for a short duration engine.