Computation of the Plume of an Anode-Layer Hall Thruster

Anumerical model ispresented forsimulating theplume of theD55 anode-layerHall thruster. A combination of the particle-in-cell method for the plasma dynamics and the direct simulation Monte Carlo method for collisions is employed. Ions and neutral atoms are treated as particles, and electrons are assumed isothermal and governed by the Boltzmann relation. A conservative particle weighting scheme is employed to allow accurate resolution of the ions. Assessment of the models employed is made through comparison of the numerical results with experimental measurements taken in two different facilities. The data comparisons are conducted in both the near and far e elds of the plume and consist of macroscopic properties such as the plasma potential and microscopic characteristics such as the ion energy distribution function. The agreement obtained between simulation and measurements is in general quite good for all properties considered. Further numerical and experimental work is required to improve the modeling in the far e eld and off-axis regions of the Hall thruster plume.