This paper details the synthesis and combustion characteristics of silicon-based nanoenergetic formulations. Silicon nanostructured powder (with a wide variety of morphologies such as nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanotubes) were produced by DC plasma arc discharge route. These nanostructures were passivated with oxygen and hydrogen post-synthesis. Their structural, morphological, and vibrational properties were investigated using X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. The silicon nanostructured powder (fuel) was mixed with varying amounts of sodium perchlorate (NaClO 4 ) nanoparticles (oxidizer) to form nanoenergetic mixtures. The NaClO 4 nanoparticles with a size distribution in the range of 5-40 nm were prepared using surfactant in a mixed solvent system. The combustion characteristics, namely (i) the combustion wave speed and (ii) the pressure-time characteristics, were measured. The observed correlation between the basic material properties and the measured combustion characteristics is presented. These silicon-based nanoenergetic formulations exhibit reduced sensitivity to electrostatic discharge (ESD).

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A homopolar motor is a simple device which converts electrical energy into mechanical motion using the Lorentz force. The simplicity, low cost of materials, and compact size of this device has made it an important tool in today's world. It is being used in a number of applications, especially those where space and weight are of premium importance. The design, construction, and operating characteristics of a homopolar motor are described in this thesis using both physical experimentation and simulation software. The energy from a nickel-metal hydride battery is discharged by creating a short circuit between the anode and cathode of the battery using an armature, a piece of non-magnetic conductive wire. When this current moves through a magnetic field which is not parallel to the wire, a Lorentz force is induced, causing the wire to exert a force on the ground strong enough to propel the apparatus forward. By using various armatures and lubricants, top speeds of 0.71 m/s are achieved. An electromechanical model of the homopolar motor is developed in PSpice. This simulation is used to predict the performance of the homopolar motor, including position and speed. Motor measured performance results and those predicted by computer simulation are compared and presented.