Parameters Distribution Along the Channel Axis in the Scaling Designed Stationary Plasma Thruster

The study of the parameters＇ distribution along the channel axis in a stationary plasma thruster（SPT） helps One to understand the physical characteristics of the SPT＇s operation. In this paper, the axial distribution of the desired SPT parameters are predicted by combining the improved scaling theory and a one-dimensional hybrid model. The simulation indicates that the SPT parameters＇ distribution along the channel axis changes with scaling index variable ~. If ~ is set properly, the similarity of the parameters~ axial distribution between the model and a desired thruster can be ensured. In addition, the operation characteristics of the desired thruster, such as the ionization and acceleration processes, are also similar to those of the model. When ζ is set, the improved SPT scaling theory and the one-dimensional hybrid model can be used to predict the axial distribution of the desired SPT parameters with the same propellant （such as Xe）.

Numerical Simulation for One Dimensional Steady Quasineutral Hybrid Model of Stationary Plasma Thruster

Based on the analysis of the physical mechanism of the Stationary Plasma Thruster （SPT）, an integral equation describing the ion density of the steady SPT and the ion velocity distribution function at an arbitrary axial position of the steady SPT channel are derived. The integral equation is equivalent to the Vlasov equation, but the former is simpler than the latter. A one dimensional steady quasineutral hybrid model is established. In this model, ions are described by the above integral equation, and neutrals and electrons are described by hydrodynamic equations. The transferred equivalency to the differential equation and the integral equation, together with other equations, are solved by an ordinary differential equation （ODE） solver in the Matlab. The numerical simulation results show that under various circumstances, the ion average velocity would be different and needs to be deduced separately.

Effect of Secondary Electron Emission on the Sheath in SPT Chamber

A one-dimensional slab model of the plasma sheath in the stationary plasma thruster （SPT） chamber is developed in this study. It is considered that secondary electrons emitted from ceramic walls are partially trapped by the bulk plasma in the SPT chamber; some secondary electrons drift across the sheath where they are generated and the bulk and move towards the opposite sheath. Thus both the secondary electron emission （SEE） from one sheath and the partially trapped secondary electrons from the opposite sheath contribute to this sheath. The results indicate that both the SEE coefficient and trapping coefficient have a significant impact not only on the distributions of both electrons and ions of the SPT sheath but also on the energy flux loss to the SPT wall. When the trapping coefficient increases, the energy flux of electrons deposited to the walls will increase whereas that of ions will decrease. Besides, the critical electron temperature will decrease greatly with the increase of the trapping coefficient.