Comparison of the performance of a cylindrical Hall thruster with different anode voltages via numerical simulations

Abstract

  Plasma propulsion, or electric propulsion, arises from the need to explore deep space more economically and efficiently. The Cylindrical Hall Thruster (CHT) demonstrates enhanced propellant utilization and performance efficiencies within reduced dimensions and lower power thresholds  when compared to conventional plasma propulsion apparatuses. The compact size and operation at lower power levels make it an interesting option to provide propulsion for CubeSats and small satellites. The CHT comprises a channel with an annular anode through which neutral gas is injected, subsequently ionized by magnetized electrons injected from an external hollow cathode. The resulting plasma ions are ejected from the device, giving thrust. This work aims to understand and study the plasma in the discharge channel of a CHT through numerical simulations. The code describes the plasma with a hybrid model in which the electrons are treated as a fluid and the ions and neutral atoms as pseudo particles. The simulations were conducted for two different potential values at the anode, specifically 150 V and 300 V, representing different modes of operation. The results obtained with this simplified model allow obtain an optimal configuration for a future prototype to be implemented at the Plasma Physics Laboratory at the University of Brasilia.