Similarity scaling-application and limits for high-efficiency-multistage-plasma-thruster particle-in-cell modelling

Abstract

To suit a wide variety of space mission profiles, different designs of ion thrusters were developed, such as the High-Efficiency-Multistage-Plasma thrusters (HEMP-T). In the past, the optimization of ion thrusters was a difficult and time-consuming process and evolved experimentally. Because the construction of new designs is expensive, cheaper methods for optimization were sought-after. Computer-based simulations are a cheap and useful method towards predictive modelling. The physics in HEMP-T requires a kinetic model. The Particle-in-Cell (PIC) method delivers self-consistent solutions for the plasmas of ion thrusters, but it is limited by the high amount of computing time required to study a specific system. Therefore, it is not suited to explore a wide operational and design space. An approach to decrease computing time is self-similarity scaling schemes, which can be derived from the kinetic equations. One specific self-similarity scheme is investigated quantitatively in this work for selected HEMP-Ts, using PIC simulations. The possible application of the scaling is explained and the limits of this approach are derived.