Publication: Magnetized fluid electron model within a two-dimensional hybrid simulation code for electrodeless plasma thrusters
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2022-04-28
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Abstract
An axisymmetric fluid model for weakly-collisional, magnetized electrons is introduced and coupled
to a particle-in-cell model for heavy species to simulate electrodeless plasma thrusters. The numerical
treatment of the model is based on a semi-implicit time scheme, and specific algorithms for solving on
a magnetic field aligned mesh. Simulation results of the plasma transport are obtained for a virtual
electrodeless thruster. The particle and energy fluxes of electrons are discussed. A first phenomenological
model is included for the anomalous cross-field electron transport, and a second one for the
anomalous parallel-field electron cooling in the plume. The balances of the plasma properties reveal
that wall losses are the crucial reason for the poor thrust efficiency of these thrusters. The magnetic
thrust inside the source could be negative and largely depending on the location of the magnetic
throat, which is found uncoupled from the location of the plasma beam sonic surface. Furthermore, a
sensitivity analysis of the results against the simulated plume extension shows that finite plumes imply
an incomplete electron expansion, which leads to underestimating the performances.
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Zhou, J., Domínguez-Vázquez, A., Fajardo, P., & Ahedo, E. (2022). Magnetized fluid electron model within a two-dimensional hybrid simulation code for electrodeless plasma thrusters. Plasma Sources Science and Technology, 31(4), 045021.