Carbon Transport in Electric Propulsion Testing – I: Multiscale Computations for Carbon Sputtering by Low Energy Ion Bombardment

H. Tran, S. Clark, R. Thompson, D. A. Levin, J. Rovey, H. B. Chew

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A quantitative assessment of carbon transport during ground-based testing of high-power electric propulsion (EP) thrusters is essential for accurate lifetime assessment. Novel experimental carbon tracking techniques based on isotopic labeling of 13C, in concert with Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) plasma simulation techniques, have added the capability to elucidate the effects of carbon contamination on critical EP surfaces. Here, a multiscale sputtering simulation framework is used to inform and validate these carbon transport experimental-simulation models. Specifically, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, upscaled to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are adopted to quantify the relevant macroscopic sputtering properties (sputter yield, angle, and energy) of carbon under krypton ion bombardment at 300 eV. The multiscale sputtering simulation is able to capture the smoothening behavior observed from post-sputtered surface analysis of a 13C pellet from a hall thruster.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107115
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes
EventAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2024Jan 12 2024

Publication series

NameAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period1/8/241/12/24

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

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