Main objectives

More precisely, the general objectives of MicroPyros proposal entering into the FET action line program are:

1. Develop advanced basic technologies to fabricate MicroPyroSystems: indeed, to get very precise and reliable mechanical performance as well as to enhance the integration scale, we need to :

• develop technological process based on novel technologies enabling to micromachine the silicon bulk with extreme precision as well as to assemble each part with high accuracy. The fabrication development will be performed with the care of a low-cost approach. An assessment of advanced prototyping equipment (for small volume) will be considered.
  
• to develop and implement a reliable and cost effective technology and set up a specific equipment to fill micronodes with the propellant. The injection accuracy, reliability and reproducibility are of importance.

2. Set up theoretical models and build design tools. New basic models are necessary to understand and then predict the processes that occur inside the chamber during the combustion as well as to calculate the theoretical performance of the systems. The results of calculation will serve to build a design software and a support infrastructure for access to the design tool.

3. Develop methods and characterisation tools in order to measure micro force or pressure level or gas volume in a very short delay (Impulse Bit shape). This implies to overview the potential technique, assess and implement the best suited for MicroPyros. The characterisation tools will serve to validate theoretical models as well as to have expertise tools for MicroPyroSystems.

4. Demonstrate applications and one in particular: the space application. We propose to fabricate a fully autonomous MicroPyroSystem on the same chip with integrated command circuitry together with a power supply. This last objective will lead to a concrete object for a concrete application (space) that could validate the entire program MicroPyros and will open new perspectives to this technology.
The demo phase has three functions:

• serve as a guide for the good progressing of the basic research program
• validate technological and designing tools
• demonstrate the potential of this new technology called MicroPyros and open MicroPyros to new perspectives in new fields of application.

The Micropyros proposal claims to deliver for further developments:

(1) a prototyping technology within a technological support infrastructure.

(2) A major serial and microtechnology compatible microinjection technology with an microinjection equipment - NOVATEC

(3) A designing software package with assistance infrastructure

(4) A MicroPyroSystems demonstrator validated for Micropropulsion application.