Different fluid strategies for the simulation of a Helicon Plasma Thruster

Abstract

Different fluid numerical strategies have been considered for the analysis of the plasma transport in a Helicon Plasma Thruster, namely the Drift Diffusion solution, the explicitly segregated solution, and the adoption of the Simple algorithm [Patankar & Spalding] for the coupled solution of the continuity and momentum balances. These strategies have been compared in terms of plasma profiles such as electron density and temperature, and their computational efficiency has been assessed. Finally, a sensitivity analysis over the neutrals' pressure has been performed in order to assess the validity of each proposed strategy for different collisional regimes.

Development of a Global Model for the Analysis of Plasma in an Atmosphere-Breathing Cathode-Less Thruster

“…In this study, different types of thrusters were utilized to compare their propulsive performances with different propellants. The chemistry models for iodine and xenon are described in detail in [7,37], respectively. Air, instead, is a mixture of various gases, and its composition varies with the altitude.…”

Numerical suite for the design, simulation and optimization of cathode-less plasma thrusters

“…Where μI and DI are the mobility and the diffusion coefficients of the species I whose values are prescribed in [32]. u0 is the convection speed assumed aligned with the thruster axis and equal, in modulus, to 1/4 vth [7].…”