The Distribution Characteristics of the Multiemitter Field-Effect Electric Propulsion Plume Under Different Working Conditions

In this article, a 3-D plume model for the multiemitter field-effect electric propulsion (FEEP), which is based on the point source model and the 3-D immersed finite element particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision (IFE-PIC-MCC) method, is established. In order to overcome the large-scale difference between grid region and plume region, part of the parameters of the point source model for beam ions emitted from one emitter are obtained from the FEEP grid model which utilizes the IFE-PIC-MCC method. The whole beam ion model is the superposition of each point source model for one emitter. Then the plume model is established by the beam ion model, neutral atom model, and charge exchange (CEX) ion model with the IFE-PIC-MCC method as well. After that, the distribution characteristics of the FEEP plume under different working conditions are analyzed, and the influence of the ground experimental environment on the CEX ions in the FEEP plume is studied, so as to provide guidance for ground experiments. The simulation results show that the acceleration voltage has little effect on the plume distribution. The cathode potential has a significant effect on the spatial distribution and deposition rate distribution of CEX ion, but has little effect on the deposition rate of CEX ions. The environment of the vacuum chamber has a certain influence on the deposition rate of CEX ions due to that the vacuum chamber wall can draw zero potential from infinity.