Micronozzle flow based on simulation of molecule movement

In-depth study on micro-nozzle flow field performance contributes to optimization design of micro-propulsion system. Under high Knudsen number conditions, a direct simulation Monte-Carlo method was employed for two-dimensional numerical simulation of the flow field within a Laval micro-nozzle at different inlet temperatures. The results show that along with the increase of fluid temperature at the entrance, micro-nozzle thrust would reduce and specific impulse would increase as the adhesive strength increase. Three-dimensional numerical simulation of micro-nozzle shows that thrust efficiency would decrease with the declining etching depth, and as the etching depth becomes deeper, the influences of three-dimensional boundary wall would reduce.