Nanothermite Micro-Thrusters

Information used in this description was gathered from http://tmir.missouri.edu/mte2011/Technology.htmlMicro-thrusters created utilizing nano-scale composites of an inorganic oxidizer and metallic fuel source have been shown to provide tunable thrust amplitude at least one order of magnitude higher and tunable durations at least one order of magnitude lower than other energetic materials tested in comparably sized motors. These composites, known as nanothermites, are formed using a wet synthesis technique and then packed into thrusters to varying densities. The performance characteristics of the micro-thruster can be tailored to a wide variety of applications by controlling the nanothermite composition, the thrust motor geometry, and the packing pressure. These potential applications include projectile guidance, micro- and pico-satellite guidance, vehicle collision avoidance systems, and advanced air-bag deployment systems. Potential Areas of Applications: projectile guidance, micro- and pico-satellite guidance, vehicle collision avoidance systems, advanced air-bag deployment systems. Patent Status: Patent Pending. Inventor(s): Clay Staley, Kris Raymond, Adam Drewery, Rajagopalan Thiruvengadathan, Steve Apperson, Keshab Gangopadhyay and Shubhra Gangopadhyay. This presentation was an elevator pitch at the Missouri Technology Expo 2011