Diego García Lahuerta

Nationality: Spanish

PhD Thesis

Multi-fluid modeling and simulation of advanced electrodeless plasma thrusters.

Supervisors

Mario Merino Martinez (UC3M)

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is the investigation of the equilibrium and stability of the plasma flow in cylindrical and magnetic-arch EPTs making use of a two- and three-dimensional multi-fluid plasma simulation code, to be designed and developed as part of the research effort. The code will include the fluid equations of electrons, ions, and neutrals, modeling the collisional effects among the species and the interactions with the walls. It will enable the coupling with a wave code to analyze the coupled wave propagation and absorption with the plasma transport problem. The code will also model the induced magnetic field of the plasma, especially relevant in the external acceleration region. Armed with this simulation tool, the dual magnetic nozzle region of the MA-EPT will be investigated in detail. Finally, its thrust-vectoring capabilities will be also researched.