Radio Frequency Excited Plasma Discharge Simulation for Potential Helicon Plasma Thruster

Abstract

The development of advanced propulsion is the key element in the implementation of a robust space exploration program. Advance thruster concepts such as the development of electrodeless Plasma thrusters with high-density helicon plasma sources expected to mitigate the existing problems of the finite lifetimes inherent in electric propulsion. Electrodeless plasma thrusters are potentially more durable than conventional thrusters that use electrodes such as a gridded ion, Hall thrusters, arcjets, and resistojets. The goal of the research is to simulate a compact high-power-density helicon plasma source operating, which is under examination for a potential electric propulsion application. Plasma modeling is performed in COMSOL Multiphysics plasma module. A Nagoya type III antenna is placed on the surround of a dielectric tube and electrically excited at 13.56 MHz. Plasma is formed in the ionization chamber, which contains argon gas at low pressure. The plasma is sustained utilizing electromagnetic induction.