Optimization and characterization of zenon ions density in a hall plasma thruster

Summary form only given. A Hall effect plasma thruster was simulated using fully kinetic Particle-in-Cell (PIC) and Monte-Carlo Collision (MCC) methodologies. The numerical model included electrons, neutrals, singly and doubly charged ions. Axis-symmetric R-Z coordinates were used with a non-orthogonal variable mesh to account for important small-scale plasma structures. Electric field and sheath structures were treated self-consistently. Kinetics of all species were treated on the electron time scale. All important collisions were accounted for. The diagnostics include Number density for Xeplus, total density, number density for electrons, B_r, E_r, Neutral Gas Density for Xe, Kinetic Energy(t), total density (t), Ave KE etc. which agrees with both theoretical and experimental results.