IPROP — Ionic Propulsion Systems for Atmospheric Applications
My research is part of the Horizon EIC Pathfinder project IPROP, which aims to develop propulsive technologies based on ionic wind generated by atmospheric plasma discharges. The project brings together researchers in fluid mechanics, plasma physics and numerical modelling to explore new propulsion concepts.
My contribution focuses on the numerical modelling of plasma–fluid interactions in the presence of external flow, by developing numerical solvers relying on the stabilized finite-element method.
These simulations are used to study the design and optimization of plasma-based propulsion devices and to better understand the multiphysics mechanisms governing ionic wind generation, as well as allowing practical and easy thruster design and testing to accurately estimate thrust, thrust-to-power ratio, and efficiency.
