Evaluation of Ion Beam Behavior in 50 W Class RF Ion Thruster

Abstract

Phenomenological behavior of ion beam acceleration through the grid system in 50 W class RF ion thruster has been investigated using PIC simulation and evaluated by experimental test using Faraday probe. Beam trajectory for various grid voltages reveals that the metal engine cover of the ion thruster which is needed to seal RF coil around the discharge chamber affects the beam divergence angle. Simulation result shows that the divergence angle increases by 10.52% mainly because of the larger radial electric field in the presence of the metal engine cover. The divergence angle increases as the accelerator grid voltage increases. The current density distribution measured by the Faraday probe shows a bigger divergence angle with the engine cover installed. For the test cases with mass flow rates from 3 sccm to 4 sccm at the RF power of about 50 W, the current density distribution exhibits the 2nd peak at the radial position about 4 cm from the centerline.