Three-dimensional Inhomogeneous Characteristics of Low-frequency Plasma Oscillations in Wall-less Hall Thrusters
Year: 2026
Type: other
Abstract: The low-frequency plasma oscillations in a wall-less Hall thruster are investigated via three-dimensional particle-in-cell-Monte Carlo collision simulations. The breathing oscillation exhibits three-dimensional azimuthal non-uniformity, initiating from a localized ionization onset region. Ionization subsequently propagates in the -E×B direction and, more rapidly, in the E×B direction due to electron drift, covering the anode surface in an extremely short time. Azimuthally, rotating spokes show structural variation with axial position: near the anode, ionization stably rotates toward regions of higher neutral density, while farther axially, spokes connect radially to the central ionization zone and rotate synchronously. These results underscore the intrinsic three-dimensionality of both axial and azimuthal oscillations in E×B devices with three-dimensional magnetic fields.
Source: AIP Publishing
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7143372018