Full Particle-In-Cell Simulation Methodology for Axisymmetric Hall Effect Thrusters

Abstract

A fully kinetic plasma simulation based upon the particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo collision methodologies was developed to model axisymmetric closed-drift Hall effect thruster discharges. The simulation captures two dimensions in space and three in velocity. All species are modeled as particles. The electric field is solved by Gauss’s law. Electron transport mechanisms include anomalous diffusion, classical diffusion, and wall effects including secondary electron emission. To accelerate the simulation, an artificial ion to electron mass ratio is assumed. An artificial vacuum permittivity is also assumed. The simulation captures many physical features of the discharge, including wall effects and breathing mode oscillations. Thrust is predicted to within 5% and current is predicted to within 16%. A two-temperature electron energy distribution with non-Maxwellian features is also predicted. Axial profiles of plasma density, potential, and temperature compare well with measurements taken with probes embedded in the discharge channel wall.