Three-dimensional plume simulation of multi-channel thruster configuration

A three-dimensional hybrid particle-in-cell model of the plume emitted by a four-channel Hall-effect thruster configuration for a preliminary design study has been developed. Results show the presence of a potential well in the central region close to the exit plane of the configuration. Together with the typical characteristics of the single channel ion energy spectrum, a double peak structure in the low energy range is present in the four-channel configuration. It is due to the geometrical effects (four-channel source) and to the anisotropic nature of ion-atom scattering.