Non-linear dynamics of dampers for plasmatic thrusters - Design, simulation, manufacturing and experimental tests of damping systems for aerospace applications

The main objective of this work consists in the design of a damping system for a plasmatic thruster used in aerospace applications and, in particular, for the propulsion of satellites. In particular, the following study deals with systems with non-linear dynamics. The adopted method was to develop all the solutions found in parallel, deciding whether to deepen them or abandon them when they are evaluated as potentially non-functional. For each damping system, the following phases were pursued: the study of physical principles and dissipation mechanisms, design and planning of solutions and their components, model simulation, fabrication and experimentation with subsequent data analysis. The results, obtained for some of the solutions, have shown unpromising and barely repeatable effects concerning the granular solution. On the other hand, the FRF achieved with the use of the spider seems to be more damped. In conclusion, therefore, the spider appears to show more positive results than the granular solution at the moment. In general, however, it would be appropriate to develop, deepen and complete the analysis in future research.