Modeling of plasma thrusters

Summary form only given. Numerical modeling of two distinct electromagnetic thrusters exercising a state-of-the-art magnetohydrodynamics code aims to provide validation by comparison to experiments and offer valuable insights into their operation and performance potential. Specifically, the two thrusters modeled are the unsteady pulsed inductive thruster and a megawatt-level quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster. Simulations of the former utilize a new thermodynamic model for ammonia to address the unique performance of the thruster operating with such propellant. Verification of the model and comparisons to experimental data will be presented. Particularly, magnetic field waveforms will be compared along with integrated impulse values over a range of operating energy and propellant mass values. Interrogation of the pertinent variables provides insights into the thruster´s acceleration mechanisms in order to decipher the physical processes responsible for the elevated performance when operated with NH ₃ propellant. Modeling of the MW-MPD thruster compares computed current waveforms utilizing a pulse-forming network circuit upgrade appropriate for quasi-steady operation. Furthermore, voltage-current characteristics are compared along with computation of the total force generated, plasma power deposition and efficiency to extend the thruster´s characterization beyond the limited experimental data