Eur. Phys. J. D (2017) 71: 192
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2017-80124-8

Regular Article

Simulation of double stage hall thruster with double-peaked magnetic field^*

¹ Plasma Propulsion Lab, Institute of Advanced Power, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
² Electric Drive & Propulsion Technology Lab, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P.R. China

^a e-mail: weiliqiu@hit.edu.cn

Received: 24 February 2017
Received in final form: 5 May 2017
Published online: 13 July 2017

Abstract

This study adopts double permanent magnetic rings and four permanent magnetic rings to form two symmetrical magnetic peaks and two asymmetrical magnetic peaks in the channel of a Hall thruster, and uses a 2D-3V PIC-MCC model to analyze the influence of magnetic strength on the discharge characteristic and performance of Hall thrusters with an intermediate electrode and double-peaked magnetic field. As opposed to the two symmetrical magnetic peaks formed by double permanent magnetic rings, increasing the magnetic peak value deep within the channel can cause propellant ionization to occur; with the increase in the magnetic peak deep in the channel, the propellant utilization, thrust, and anode efficiency of the thruster are significantly improved. Double-peaked magnetic field can realize separate control of ionization and acceleration in a Hall thruster, and provide technical means for further improving thruster performance.