Single electron dynamics in a Hall thruster electromagnetic field profile
Abstract
In this work, the single electron dynamics in a simplified three dimensional Hall thruster model is studied. Using Hamiltonian formalism and the concept of limiting curves, one is able to determine confinement conditions for the electron in the acceleration channel. It is shown that as a given parameter of the electromagnetic field is changed, the particle trajectory may transit from regular to chaotic without affecting the confinement, which allows one to make a detailed analysis of the role played by the chaos. The ionization volume is also computed, which measures the probability of an electron to ionize background gas atoms. It is found that there is a great correlation between chaos and increased effective ionization volume. This indicates that a complex dynamical behavior may improve the device efficiency by augmenting the ionization capability of each electron, requiring an overall lower electron current.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1063/1.4982685
Entities
People
- Renato Pakter
- Samuel Marini
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- National Council for Scientific and Technological Development