Modeling of different factors influence on distribution of parameters in stationary plasma thruster jet

A. S. Arkhipov ; A. M. Bishaev ; V. Kim

Matematičeskoe modelirovanie, Tome 22 (2010) no. 2, pp. 124-138

Résumé

Results of modeling some effects which are present in the jet of stationary plasma thruster are considered in this article. Numerical simulation results of the kinetic equations system which is featuring jet flow in three-dimensional statement are underlied in modeling. This problem was solved earlier in axisymmetric statement. Transition to three-dimensional statement has significally changed statement of a problem. In fact, we consider the problem of the flow over a thruster produced by the thruster itself because calculations are conducted both upwards and downwards on the jet. This circumstance has essentially increased modeling capabilities. It has been shown particularly that ions coming back render feeble influence on thrust value. The geometrical factor influence on macro parameters distribution also has been analyzed. It is known, that a jet exhausting into surrounding space from the stationary plasma thruster can be swirled. Conducted assessments in this article have shown that the linear rotation velocities of a jet rather small, but their presence leads to appreciable changes in ion density distribution. A big part of article covers modeling cathode work for the purpose of definition influence which it can render on distribution of macro parameters. Some notes about future development of this direction are preset in conclusion.