Abstract
A zero-dimensional analytical model for an RF discharge ion thruster has been improved to predict the thruster performance better. Improvements were made by incorporating most physical phenomena expected in an RF ion thruster, such as secondary electron emission, double ionization, a variable Clausing factor, grid optical transparency, and an ion confinement factor affected by the electromagnetic field. Clausing factors were calculated for each flow rate by using a Monte-Carlo technique. The grid optical transparency was calculated using an ion optics simulation. The ion confinement factor was also calculated for each flow rate by using the calculated magnetic field strength obtained from magnetic field simulations. The ion confinement factor turned out to have the greatest effect on the results while minor corrections were achieved by other processes. Comparison with previously reported analytical solutions and experimental data showed improved prediction of the thruster performance for various size and power ranges.
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This work was supported by the 2017 Research fund of the University of Ulsan.
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Pham, Q.T.D., Shin, J. Better Prediction of the Performance of a Radio-frequency Ion Thruster. J. Korean Phys. Soc. 76, 137–144 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3938/jkps.76.137
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3938/jkps.76.137