Dr. Elaine Petro
epetro ‘at’ mit.edu
Degrees Pursued: Ph.D. (2019), M.S. (2015), B.S. (2010), University of Maryland, Aerospace Engineering.
Research Interests: Electrospray thrusters, Electric Propulsion, Spacecraft Design
Research Summary:
My research interests include both numerical and experimental characterization of electrospray plumes. Experimental techniques which I have experience with include: time-of-flight mass spectroscopy and retarding potential analysis. Currently, we are developing both particle-in-cell and N-body simulations of electrospray ion plumes. I am also interested in the integration of electrospray thusters on spacecraft and mission applications.