Numerical Simulations of the Plasma Dynamics in an ECR Thruster Experiment

Electrodeless plasma thruster (EPT) is an advanced concept in the field of electric propulsion devices, in which instead of a solid nozzle, a magnetic nozzle (MN) helps to accelerate the plasma ions [1] using its convergent-divergent magnetic field. The principle mechanism of MN is to convert the internal thermal energy of electrons into the directed kinetic energy of the ions. In this way, the guided plasma expands and produces a significant amount of thrust. We are interested in studying the behavior of the expanding plasma coming out of a Compact ECR Plasma Source (CEPS) [2] developed by Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPL), IIT Delhi. The CEPS based on a permanent magnet produces high-density plasma and it is portable and flexible in use. We numerically investigate the plasma dynamics in the magnetic configurations [3] compatible with the CEPS.

[1] Merino M and Ahedo E 2016 Magnetic nozzles for space plasma thrusters Encyclopedia of Plasma Technology vol 2 ed J Leon Shohet (London: Taylor and Francis) pp 1329–51

[2] Ganguli, A., et al. "Development of compact electron cyclotron resonance plasma source." 2013 19th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference (PPC). IEEE, 2013.

[3] Ganguli, A., et al. "Evaluation of compact ECR plasma source for thruster applications." Plasma Sources Science and Technology 28.3 (2019): 035014.