Work

Particle simulation of a Hall thruster plasma plume

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Effects of the propellant, propellant mass-flow rate, and discharge voltage on the characteristics of the plume of small Hall thrusters are studied using a particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collisions program. It is shown that with the same discharge voltage and mass flow, the divergence angle of the xenon plume is smaller than that of argon and is not linearly dependent on the propellant mass flow rate. Moreover, the effect of the discharge voltage on the plume divergence angle can be significant. As the discharge voltage increases from 100 to 300 V, the plume divergence angle decreases, but in the range 300–400 V, it increases with the discharge voltage. The obtained data can be useful for the design and improving the efficiency of Hall thrusters.

Source: AIP Advances

DOI: 10.1063/5.0237310

Authors: Zhixin Li, Yusong Zheng, Wanting Zhang, Amin Xu, Youmei Wang

Institution: Hangzhou Dianzi University

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Diagnostics and Applications

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,350

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China