High Accuracy Measurements in Electrospray Source Relevant to Colloid Thrusters

Measurements are presented for a variety of electrospray conditions, which are relevant to the design of colloid thrusters. Broadly this new data is consistent within model predictions of previously published scaling law data, with however the notable exception that under vacuum conditions the spray properties are sensitive to electrostatic conditions. Data is also presented on the jet length formed in the cone-jet mode, as a function of both fluid conductivity and flow rate. It is found that the jet length is insensitive to the electrostatic conditions investigated.