Accession Number:

ADA455687

Title:

Development of Advanced Hall Plume Models

Descriptive Note:

Final technical rept. 1 Jan 2004-31 Dec 2005

Corporate Author:

MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH CAMBRIDGE DEPT OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS

Personal Author(s):

• Peraire, Jaume
• Martinez-Sanchez, Manuel

Report Date:

2006-08-11

Pagination or Media Count:

26.0

Abstract:

The purpose of this work was twofold a To develop numerical or analytical methods capable of dealing with the combination of three-dimensionality and strong anisotropy that occurs in the plume region near the exit of a Hall thruster, and b To explore the use of fluid-based models in plume computations, so as to overcome the granularity associated with normal particle-based approaches. In area a we have carefully formulated the 3D near-plume problem using a combination of heavy particle tracking and magnetized electron fluid equations, and have to a large extent clarified the structure of the solutions, such that numerical implementation should be greatly facilitated. In area b we have concentrated on an examination of the far-field of the plume, where the geomagnetic field takes over the dynamics. Again, only a formulation and a suggested method for numerical implementation were completed. Two graduate Theses are still in progress in these two areas, and we expect to issue a supplementary report when they are finalized.

Descriptors:

• *PLUMES
• MAGNETIC FIELDS
• COMPUTATIONS
• NUMERICAL METHODS AND PROCEDURES
• HALL THRUSTERS
• ELECTRONS
• ANISOTROPY

Subject Categories:

• Combustion and Ignition

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE