Ionic thruster high school science project

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a high school science project involving ionic thrusters, specifically focusing on the hypothesis and independent variables for experimentation. The student has researched ion thruster operation, including hall thrusters, and is considering testing how nozzle shape influences thrust force. Additionally, they are contemplating the impact of gases with varying atomic masses on thrust, although this presents greater complexity. The goal is to create a project that is impressive enough to progress to the state level in California.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ionic thruster mechanics
  • Familiarity with hall thrusters
  • Basic principles of thrust measurement
  • Knowledge of gas properties and atomic mass
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and testing of ionic thrusters
  • Explore the effects of nozzle shape on thrust in ion propulsion
  • Investigate the relationship between gas atomic mass and thrust performance
  • Learn about experimental design for high school science projects
USEFUL FOR

High school students, science fair participants, educators, and anyone interested in aerospace engineering and propulsion technologies.

lucashuizat777
Messages
2
Reaction score
1
Thread moved from the technical forums to the schoolwork forums
I’m a junior in high school and I’m going to be entering the science fair. I want to do something impressive with a chance of progressing to the state level(CA). I want to try involving ionic thrusters but the i’m having trouble finding an actual hypothesis or independent variable to test. Can anyone help with ideas or advice for the project in general? Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

Since this is your schoolwork assignment, please tell us your thoughts so far. What reading have you done on the subject, and what are your ideas for how to incorporate ionic thrusters into a science fair project.
 
I’ve done reading into how ion thrusters operate, how they’re used in space, different kind of ion thrusters like hall thrusters and I’ve seen videos of people making small ion thrusters without vacuum chambers. This was the goal for my project. As far as hypothesis, I was considering testing how the nozzle shape affects the force of the thrust exerted. Another variable I was considering was testing gasses with varying atomic masses but that seems much more difficult.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

Schools What are some good science fair project ideas or resources?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Science Fair Project involving Vectors
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Archived Momentum science experiment help
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Help With Science Fair; Calculating Force
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
High School High School Science Fair Ideas: Unique Research Projects
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Are CRTs Suitable for Use in Ion Thrusters?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What do I study in school for Lorentz Force Propulsion R&D?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Astrophysics Science Fair Project Ideas?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Science Fair Project: Natural Water vs Bottled
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School High school Astrophysics Research Project Suggestions Please
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K