Investigation of Ion Beam Neutralization Processes With 2-D and 3-D PIC Simulations

Abstract

While it is common knowledge that ion beams are easily neutralized for both current and charge density using a variety of means, the precise process of neutralization remains unknown. With the increasing importance of electric propulsion, and in particular micropropulsion systems, this question is of significant importance. Additionally, it has bearing on thruster design, space instrument calibration, electrodynamic tethers, and ionospheric research. A review of the present state of knowledge on this topic is presented as well as results from ion beam simulations using 2D and 3D Particle-in-Cell (PlC) codes. We investigate both the early "filing" problem of the beam starting to move away from the spacecraft and the steady state problem where the beam encounters a wall at an infinite distance from the spacecraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA431750

Entities

People

  • Adrian Wheelock
  • D. L. Cooke
  • Nicholas A. Gatsonis

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Charge Density
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Engineering
  • Ion Beams
  • Ion Thrusters
  • Ions
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Neutralization
  • Particles
  • Simulations
  • Space Charge
  • Spacecraft
  • Steady State
  • Three Dimensional
  • Thrusters
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster