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Neutralizer Hollow Cathode Simulations and Validation with ExperimentsThe fidelity of electric propulsion physics-based models depends largely on the validity of their predictions over a range of operating conditions and geometries. In general, increased complexity of the physics requires more extensive comparisons with laboratory data to identify the region(s) that lie outside the validity of the model assumptions and to quantify the uncertainties within its range of application. This paper presents numerical simulations of neutralizer hollow cathodes at various operating conditions and orifice sizes. The simulations were performed using a two-dimensional axisymmetric model that solves numerically a relatively extensive system of conservation laws for the partially-ionized gas in these devices. The results for the plasma are compared directly with Langmuir probe measurements. The computed keeper voltages are also compared with the observed values. Wherever model inputs and/or specific physics of the cathode discharge are uncertain, additional sensitivity calculations have been performed to quantify the uncertainties.
Document ID
20150011942
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Mikellides, Ioannis G.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Goebel, Dan M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Snyder, John S.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Katz, Ira
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Herman, Daniel A.
(ASRC Aerospace Corp. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
July 1, 2015
Publication Date
August 3, 2009
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Numerical Analysis
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit
Location: Denver, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: August 3, 2009
End Date: August 5, 2009
Sponsors: American Society for Electrical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
partially ionized gases
electric propulsion modeling
plasma

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