Multi-hole grid thruster plume simulation model based on single grid aperture analytical model

• DOI: 10.1016/j.fpc.2024.03.004
• Publication Date: 2024-03-13T17:01:51Z
• Authors: Ziping Wang; Daoman Han; Guangqing Xia; Yipeng Fan; Chang Lu; Bin Sun; Chong Chen
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; Single grid hole; TP267.5-301; Multi-hole grid; Explosives and pyrotechnics; 01 natural sciences; Plume, Ion optics

This paper presents a plume divergence angle prediction model for ion thruster. Firstly, an analytical model using Gaussian distribution for single grid hole plume is proposed. The parameters of this single hole model are obtained from the particle simulation results of ion optics which utilizes the immersed finite element Particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision (IFE-PIC-MCC) method. Then, by the extension of the single hole model, a three-dimensional plume model for the whole ion optics is proposed. This plume model can be used to predict the divergence angle of ion thruster plume. Finally, a numerical example with the simulation of a 217-hole ion optics is provided to demonstrate the features of the proposed method.