Computational Modeling of Ion Beam-Neutralizer Interactions in Two and Three Dimensions

Abstract

The fact that ion beams readily neutralize given a source of electrons is well known, but the physics behind that process is not. As electric propulsion devices move into the micro and macro regions with colloids, FEEPs, and large arrays of thrusters, the interactions between the neutralizer and the thruster are under examination. Simulations using 2D and 3D Particle-in-Cell (PIC) codes are presented, detailing starting and steady state interactions between an ion beam and an electron beam. It is shown that the starting conditions require detailed current coupling to propagate normally. Steady state simulations show robust behavior regardless of ion or electron currents. Further investigation of steady state reveals no mechanism for imparting ion beam bulk velocity to electrons.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA431875

Entities

People

  • Adrian Wheelock
  • D. L. Cooke
  • Nikolaos 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
  • Charged Particles
  • Computational Modeling
  • Couplings
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Electron Beams
  • Electrons
  • Engineering
  • Ion Beams
  • Ions
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Particles
  • Simulations
  • Spacecraft
  • Three Dimensional
  • Thrusters
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics

Technology Areas

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