Non-linear Data Analysis applied to Plasma Space Propulsion

This week, Clara Puerto Sánchez has defended her BSc thesis titled “Non-linear Data Analysis applied to Plasma Space Propulsion” at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, as part of her studies in Aerospace Engineering.

Clara’s research has reviewed the state-of-the-art of non-linear data analysis techniques, with an emphasis on data-driven algorithms. Once a catalogue of technique was created, some them were tested against previously-existing experimental and simulation data from the EP2 group. In her own words, “the implementation of these techniques provides a deeper look into the available data, and help minimize any research biases during analysis.”

Clara explains, “what I have enjoyed the most about this project is the opportunity to immerse myself in a research world which I had not previously worked on. The field of plasma physics still presents many unknowns, and being able to explore it and help bringing light to some of them has been so rewarding.”

This is a first contribution to the objective of project ZARATHUSTRA to use data-driven analysis techniques to unravel the internal workings of anomalous transport in electrodeless plasma thrusters (EPTs). There is clearly still plenty of work to be done, and new analysis techniques to be explored, but Clara’s work is a first step in this direction for the ZARATHUSTRA project.

Authored by: Mario Merino
2021-07-14
Categories: posts

Related Posts