Simulation of the plume of a magnetically enhanced plasma thruster with SPIS

A three-dimensional fully kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation strategy has been implemented to simulate the acceleration stage of a magnetically enhanced plasma thruster (MEPT). The study performed with open-source code Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software (SPIS). tool copiously modified properly dynamics magnetized plume. cross-validation methodology done Starfish, two-dimensional PIC software. Two configurations have compared: (i) in absence magnetic field and (ii) presence generated by coil maximum intensity 300 G at outlet. results show reduction plume divergence angle, an increase ion speed specific impulse nozzle. simulations presented this are representative operative conditions 50 W MEPT. Nonetheless, adopted can be extended handle several other types thrusters such as electron cyclotron resonance applied magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters.