Modeling Ion Beam Neutralization and Near-Thruster Plume Interactions (POSTPRINT)
Abstract
Ion thruster plume interaction has been studied extensively in recent years. While most existing plume models have focused on charge-exchange ion interactions with the spacecraft and/or plume-induced contamination, few studies have examined the detailed physics near the thruster exit. In particular, the ion beam neutralization process and the characteristics of the neutralizing electrons are not well understood. This paper presents a full-PIC model for the near-thruster plume of a single thruster. A multi-domain model, which splits the domain into a near-cathode region and a near-plume region, is used to obtain velocity distribution of the neutralizing electrons. This simulation is compared with one that assumes a pre-neutralized beam and another that uses a floating cathode potential.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA444951
Entities
People
- Douglas Vangilder
- Joseph Wang
- Lubos Brieda