Numerical simulations of a low-pressure electrodeless ion source intended for air-breathing electric propulsion

Abstract

Air breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) systems offer a promising solution to extend the lifetime of very low earth orbit (VLEO) missions by using residual atmospheric particles as propellants. Such systems would operate in very low-pressure environments where plasma ignition and confinement prove challenging. In this contribution, we present results of a global plasma model (GPM) of a plasma ignited in a very low-pressure air mixture. The results are validated against experimental measurements acquired using a laboratory electrodeless ion source utilizing a resonator for plasma ignition. The device is specifically designed to operate within low-pressure environments as it holds potential applications in ABEP systems for VLEO missions. Parametric studies are carried out via GPM to investigate the resonant behavior and its implications. The potential of the model serving as a predictive tool is assessed through experimental validation against measured data, mainly investigating the extracted ion current dependency on operational pressure and external magnetic field strength. The verified model is further utilized to extrapolate additional information about the resonant plasma such as ion composition or a degree of ionization.