Finite element analysis of plasma flows in cusped discharge chambers

Arakawa, Yoshihiro; Wilbur, P. J.

doi:10.2514/3.23303

Cited by 14 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Goebel et al [2] improved the model by estimating the plasma parameters based on the geometrical dimensions of the thruster and its anode potential. Arakawa et al [3] established a two-dimensional axisymmetric model, by treating the primary electron as a collision-free fluid and neutral gas as the background, and analyzed the confinement effect of the magnetic field configuration on the plasma. Since the 1990s, the particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision (PIC-MCC) method was used to study the discharge process of ion thrusters.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical simulation of the start-up process of a miniature ion thruster

Yang¹,

Wei²,

Jiang³

et al. 2022

Plasma Sci. Technol.

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The particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision model of a discharge chamber is established to investigate the start-up process of a miniature ion thruster. We present the discharge characteristics at different stages (initial stage, development stage, and stable stage) according to the trend of the discharge current with time. The discharge current is the sum of the sidewall current and the backplate current. During the start-up process, the sidewall current lags behind the backplate current. The variation and distribution characteristics of the discharge current over time are determined by the electron density distribution and electric potential distribution.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical simulation of the start-up process of a miniature ion thruster

Yang¹,

Wei²,

Jiang³

et al. 2022

Plasma Sci. Technol.

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“…The knowledge of primary electron trajectories under the influence of electrostatic and magnetic fields in a plasma discharge helps in understanding and predicting various discharge characteristics. Three-dimensional (3D) computer simulation techniques have been developed for tracking the primary electrons and applied to numerous applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Ohara et al [2] developed a 3D primary electrons simulation code for designing an ion source for neutral beam injection (NBI) systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The influence of various filament shapes [5] and different magnetic fields [6] on plasma discharge has been studied by tracing the primary electron trajectories near the filament. The approach of following the primary electrons has also been used to enhance the development and design of ion engines for spacecraft propulsion for future missions to distant planets [7][8][9]. Computational tools have been developed to model the trajectory of primary electrons in the magnetic fields [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Inhomogeneous electron emission from a hot filament in a toroidal magnetic field

Kaur¹,

Mattoo²

2008

Plasma Sources Sci. Technol.

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Experimental observations on toroidal discharges, with a thermionically electron emitting source, have established that discharge current depends upon the toroidal magnetic field. It is shown that discharge current saturates at a value of toroidal magnetic field that is much less than the surface value self-magnetic field of the filament. This paper presents a model for electron emission from a hot filament in the presence of an externally imposed toroidal field and electric field for acceleration. Particle trajectories in the vicinity of the filament with varying velocity components at different spatial locations and magnetic fields have been simulated. It is shown that escape or trapping of electrons emitted by the filament is strongly dependent on where the electron originated and its velocity. Consequently, escaping electrons responsible for ionization are inhomogeneously emitted. The degree of inhomogeneity is reduced as the magnetic field increases, leading to saturation. We have further examined the effect of reducing the filament diameter on the power requirement and operating toroidal magnetic field.

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