Computed versus measured ion velocity distribution functions in a Hall effect thruster

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 2012 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4722269· OSTI ID:22089223

Garrigues, L. ^[1]; Mazouffre, S.; Bourgeois, G. ^[2]

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1. Universite de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, LAPLACE (Laboratoire Plasma et Conversion d'Energie), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9 (France)
2. ICARE (Institut de Combustion, Aerothermique, Reactivite et Environnement), 1 C avenue de la recherche scientifique, 45071 Orleans (France)

We compare time-averaged and time-varying measured and computed ion velocity distribution functions in a Hall effect thruster for typical operating conditions. The ion properties are measured by means of laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy. Simulations of the plasma properties are performed with a two-dimensional hybrid model. In the electron fluid description of the hybrid model, the anomalous transport responsible for the electron diffusion across the magnetic field barrier is deduced from the experimental profile of the time-averaged electric field. The use of a steady state anomalous mobility profile allows the hybrid model to capture some properties like the time-averaged ion mean velocity. Yet, the model fails at reproducing the time evolution of the ion velocity. This fact reveals a complex underlying physics that necessitates to account for the electron dynamics over a short time-scale. This study also shows the necessity for electron temperature measurements. Moreover, the strength of the self-magnetic field due to the rotating Hall current is found negligible.

• OSTI ID: 22089223
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 111, Issue 11; Other Information: (c) 2012 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-8979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CAPTURE
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DIFFUSION
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ELECTRONS
FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY
HALL EFFECT
ION TEMPERATURE
IONS
LASER RADIATION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PLASMA SIMULATION
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VELOCITY