Optimization of the E×B method for studying the charge composition of ions in the plasma jet of Hall effect thrusters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25206/2588-0373-2025-9-4-100-107Keywords:
electric propulsion, Hall effect thruster, plasma diagnosis, ion charge state, Wien Filter, ion plume simulation.Abstract
Electric propulsion rocket engines are widely used on board modern spacecraft. To ensure the efficient use of such engines, it is important to diagnose the plasma plume of the engine. Measuring the parameters of the plasma plume is used for the determining its efficiency, and calculating the impact of the engine plasma plume on the onboard devices of spacecraft. One of the most important tasks is to study the charge state composition of the ions in the plasma plume of an electric propulsion.
The article presents a computational study of the method for measuring the charge composition of the plasma plume of a Hall effect thruster. The operation of probes of various geometries in plasma plume of the Hall effect thruster with discharge voltages from 100 to 2000 V, the propellant of which is xenon, is simulated. Using calculations, the features of this technique are shown, and the optimal geometry is selected for studying the fraction of two-charge ions in the Hall effect thruster.
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