Three dimensional simulation of ion thruster plumes with octree Adaptive mesh refinement

Burak Korkut, Zheng Li, Deborah A. Levin

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

Abstract

A novel grid approach called Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) using the Octree method for use within a kinetic Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method (DSMC) solver is described for an ion thruster application. AMR is widely used in simulations characterized by multi-scale properties and serves as a powerful tool in terms of efficiency and flexibility. Octree implementation especially provides a straight-forward algorithm for dynamic mesh refinement and coarsening. A single thruster configuration has been studied and it was found that the Charge Exchange (CEX) reactions have a major effect especially on the velocity field. A three dimensional, three-thruster case was also simulated to see the effect on the plume and on the corresponding mesh structure when there is no axial or radial symmetry present.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Print)9781624101816
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013 - Grapevine, TX, United States
Duration: Jan 7 2013Jan 10 2013

Publication series

Name51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013

Conference

Conference51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityGrapevine, TX
Period1/7/131/10/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Aerospace Engineering

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