Orsini Nicola

CV: Curriculum_Nicola_Orsini.pdf

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-orsini

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Address: Via Girolamo Caruso 8, 56122, Pisa (PI), Italy

Cycle: XL

Curriculum: Aerospace Engineering

Title of the PhD Project:

Investigation of Magnetic Reconnection as a Plasma Acceleration Mechanism for Electric Propulsion

Supervisor:

Prof. Fabrizio Paganucci

Co-supervisor:

Dr. Giulia Becatti

In collaboration with:

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Aerospazio Tecnologie S.r.l.

Abstract of the PhD project:

This research project investigates magnetic reconnection as a novel plasma acceleration mechanism for future electric propulsion applications. Driven by the demand for superior specific impulse in deep-space exploration missions, the study focuses on an innovative thruster prototype that triggers reconnection events through the collision of multiple plasma flux ropes generated by high-current hollow cathodes. The research methodology adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining theoretical modeling with numerical simulations to explore the influence of various thruster parameters on the reconnection regime.

In parallel, the study includes experimental validation conducted at both the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and University of Pisa facilities to characterize the underlying plasma dynamics. A significant contribution to this work is the development of a Bayesian statistical framework for plasma diagnostics, which can be applied to Langmuir probes and retarding potential analyzers measurements to reconstruct electron and ion energy distribution functions. Ultimately, the project aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the thruster prototype’s performance in terms of thrust, specific impulse, and thrust efficiency.

Teaching experience:

Supervision of two master’s theses and five bachelor’s theses.

Publications

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=60080620400

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1591-2726

Journal Articles

N. Orsini et al., “Bayesian deconvolution for reconstructing the EEDF from Langmuir probe data,” Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, vol. 67, no. 9, p. 095 021, 2025. DOI: 10.1088/1361-6587/ae02c1

G. Giammarinaro et al., “Fused filament fabrication of alumina components for Hall thrusters,” Journal of Electric Propulsion, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1–15, 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s44205-025-00118-0

Conference Articles

N. Orsini et al., “Reconstruction of Electron and Ion Energy Distribution Functions via Bayesian Deconvolution with Nested Sampling,” in Proceedings of the 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference, London, United Kingdom: The Electric Rocket Propulsion Society, 2025

F. Marconcini et al., “Characterisation of the 20 kW TANDEM Hall Thruster Cathode and 3D-printed Anodes in the Framework of the CHEOPS-VHP-BB Project,” in Proceedings of the 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference, London, United Kingdom: The Electric Rocket Propulsion Society, 2025

Conferences             

2nd European Conference on Magnetic Reconnection in Plasmas, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy, 17^th-19 June 2025.

39th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom, 14^th-19^th September 2025.

Workshops

62nd Culham Plasma Physics Summer School, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK, 14^th-24^th July 2025.