A NEW SEMI-ANALYTICAL MODEL FOR PRELIMINARY ESTIMATION OF ION NUMBER DENSITY IN ELECTRIC THRUSTER PLUME

Paper number

IAC-18,C4,IP,53,x44793

Author

Mr. Andrea Binci, Italy, Sapienza University of Rome

Coauthor

Mr. Andrea Marchetti, Italy, Thales Alenia Space Italia

Coauthor

Mr. Alberto Ritorto, Italy, Thales Alenia Space Italia

Coauthor

Mr. Andrea Adriani, Italy, Thales Alenia Space Espana

Coauthor

Mr. Fabrizio Scortecci, Italy

Year

2018

Abstract

Plume impingement evaluation is a crucial analysis in satellite system design and platform configuration. The use of non-traditional propulsion systems, such as electric propulsion, requires the study of new types of plume and their main parameters. 
In this context, a new semi-analytical model for preliminary estimation of ion number density in Hall-effect stationary plasma thruster is presented. The analytical part of the model has its validity domain in the far field region and evaluates ion number density as a combination of axial and angular density distribution. The angular distribution function contains experimental parameters for a customized analysis and more accurate results. Solutions obtained are compared with in-vacuum measurements of a commercial Hall thruster.

Abstract document

IAC-18,C4,IP,53,x44793.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,C4,IP,53,x44793.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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