Three dimensional DSMC-PIC simulations of ion thruster plumes with SUGAR

Burak Korkut, Deborah A. Levin

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

Abstract

Ion thruster plumes are simulated under a framework that has been recently developed called SUGAR (Scalable Unstructured Gas dynamics with Adaptive mesh Refinement). SUGAR is used to model the momentum exchange (MEX) and charge exchange (CEX) collisions occurring between the neutral and ion species as well as the induced electric field effect due to ions. Multiple AMR meshes are used in order to capture different physical phenomena present in the flow. Streamlines for the flow show that there is a backflow induced due to the combined effect of MEX/CEX collisions and electric field effects. A multiple thruster configuration is also examined to extend the studies to cases where there is no axial or radial symmetry present and therefore can only be modeled with a three dimensional simulation capability. The combined plume structure shows interactions between individual thrusters which the AMR capability captures in an automated manner. Finally, a backflow analysis was done to quantify the conditions present upstream of the thruster.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference 2014
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781624103032
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and exhibit 2014 - Cleveland, United States
Duration: Jul 28 2014Jul 30 2014

Publication series

Name50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference 2014

Other

Other50th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and exhibit 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCleveland
Period7/28/147/30/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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