3D Fully Kinetic Simulation of Near-Field Plume Region

The near-field plume region of Hall-effect thruster is investigated using a three-dimensional Particle-in-Cell/Monte Carlo collision (PIC-MCC) model. A detailed electron-surface interaction model has been implemented on the thruster exit plane. Results show the important role of magnetic field in the first 4 cm and of the azimuthal fluctuation together with asymmetry driven by the cathode and with the plasma-surface interaction on the exit plane.