Kunning Gabriel Xu Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Education

Biography

Gabe Xu (pronounced shoe) obtained his B.S. in 2006, M.S. in 2009, and Ph.D. in 2012, all in Aerospace Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. His research involved experimental testing and analysis of Hall effect thrusters to improve their performance by modifying the magnetic and electric fields. He joined the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2012. His research involves experimental plasma science and applications for combustion, materials, propulsion, and energy.

Research Expertise

• Electric Propulsion
• Plasma Dynamics

Honors & Awards

Recent Publications

Xu, K., Dao, H., Walker, M. L. R., “Potential Contour Shaping and Sheath Behavior with Wall Electrodes and Near-Wall Magnetic Fields in Hall Thrusters.” Physics of Plasmas. (in review)
Xu, K., Walker, M. L. R., “Plume Characterization of an Ion Focusing Hall Thruster.” Journal of Propulsion and Power.  (accepted, awaiting publication)
Xu, K., Walker, M. L. R., “Technique to Collimate Ions in a Hall Effect Thruster Discharge Chamber,” Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 27, Number 3, May/June 2011.
Xu, K., and Walker, M.L.R., “High-Power, Null-Type, Inverted Pendulum Thrust Stand,” Review of Scientific Instruments, 80, 2009.