Comparison of a hybrid model and experimental measurements for a dielectric-coated coaxial ECR thruster

Electrostatic probe and thrust balance measurements of a coaxial electron-cyclotron-resonance plasma thruster with magnetic nozzle are compared against numerical simulations of the device that solve self-consistently the plasma transport problem with a hybrid particle-in-cell/fluid approach and the microwave electromagnetic fields using mixed finite elements. A simple phenomenological anomalous transport model similar to those used in Hall thruster modeling is applied. Reasonable average relative errors are reported on the ion current density (8.7%) and plasma density (12.8%) profiles along the plume. Good agreement is found in terms of relative errors on thruster performance parameters as the 90%-current divergence angle (0%-3%), utilization efficiency (3%-10%), peak ion energy (9%-15%), and energy efficiency (2%-17%). The comparison suggests that enhanced cross-field diffusion is present in the plasma. Differences in the experimental and numerical behavior of electron temperature point to the areas of the model that could be improved. These include the electron heat flux closure relation, which must correctly account for the axial electron cooling observed.

Automated summary

This study compares the experimental and numerical behaviors of a plasma thruster and finds that the average relative errors are small in terms of ion current density and plasma density profiles, as well as thruster performance parameters. The comparison suggests the presence of enhanced cross-field diffusion in the plasma. Differences in electron temperature behavior indicate areas where the model could be improved.