Computational Analysis of Current Coupling of Ion Beam-Neutralizer Interactions

摘要

Neutralization of ion beams in electric propulsion applications is well-known phenomenon. The physics behind the robust matching of ion and electron currents and densities, are not. As electric propulsion devices move into micro and macro regimes with colloids, FEEPs, and thruster arrays, thruster-neutralizer interactions are under increasing scrutiny. A series of 2D simulations using PlC codes are presented, detailing starting and steady state interactions. It is shown that the expectations of full current coupling of electrons to the beam is not seen, but there is similar coupling behavior exhibited. Numerical mechanisms for coupling the current to the beam are examined for effect on coupling behavior.