Modeling of a Pulsed Plasma Thruster from Plasma Generation to Plume Far Field

摘要: Modelsarepresented fora Tee on ® -fed,pulsedplasmathrusterfrom plasmagenerationto plumefare eld. Aonedimensional model using local thermodynamic equilibrium is developed to describe the plasma generation, ablation, and nozzle acceleration processes. A computer code that uses two different particle methods employed simulate unsteady plume expansion processes, including charge exchange collisions. Results are generated for a pulsed thruster under development at University of Illinois. General features reveal substantial differences in dynamics charged neutral species. In addition, there noticeable difference between behavior carbon e uorine ions. Direct comparisons made simulation results experimentally measured data electron number density potential. These indicate strengths weaknesses models.