A zero-equation turbulence model for two-dimensional hybrid Hall thruster simulations

Abstract

We present a model for electron transport across the magnetic field of a Hall thruster and integrate this model into 2-D hybrid particle-in-cell simulations. The model is based on a simple scaling of the turbulent electron energy dissipation rate and the assumption that this dissipation results in Ohmic heating. Implementing the model into 2-D hybrid simulations is straightforward and leverages the existing framework for solving the electron fluid equations. The model recovers the axial variation in the mobility seen in experiments, predicting the generation of a transport barrier which anchors the region of plasma acceleration. The predicted xenon neutral and ion velocities are found to be in good agreement with laser-induced fluorescence measurements.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2015
Source ID
10.1063/1.4935891

Entities

People

  • Christopher V. Young
  • Eduardo Fernandez
  • Eunsun Cha
  • Mark Cappelli

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Eckerd College

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster