Simulation of plasma plume-to-spacecraft interaction Original Research Article

In this paper a review of a software package dedicated to evaluation of interactions between a plasma propulsion plumes and a spacecraft is presented. All the algorithms involved are based on use of a self-similar plume model developed in TSNIIMASH. Physical and practical advantages of the model make it possible to estimate electrodynamic effects of interaction between a plasma flow and external factors such as the terrestrial magnetic field, conductive surfaces of a spacecraft, electromagnetic waves. In the paper examples of comparison of computed results with available experimental data are also demonstrated.