A collisionless plasma thruster plume expansion model. (30th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merino, Mario; Cichocki, Filippo; Ahedo, Eduardo
• Is Part Of: Plasma sources science & technology. Volume 24:Number 3(2015:Jun.)
• Publication Date: 2015-04-30
• Subjects: plasma plumes -- self-similar models -- cold plasma -- plasma expansion -- fluid models; Plasma (Ionized gases) -- Periodicals; 530.44
• DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/24/3/035006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-0252

Abstract

Abstract: A two-fluid model of the unmagnetized, collisionless far region expansion of the plasma plume for gridded ion thrusters and Hall effect thrusters is presented. The model is integrated into two semi-analytical solutions valid in the hypersonic case. These solutions are discussed and compared against the results from the (exact) method of characteristics; the relative errors in density and velocity increase slowly axially and radially and are of the order of 10 −2 –10 −3 in the cases studied. The plasma density, ion flux and ambipolar electric field are investigated. A sensitivity analysis of the problem parameters and initial conditions is carried out in order to characterize the far plume divergence angle in the range of interest for space electric propulsion. A qualitative discussion of the physics of the secondary plasma plume is also provided.