Integrated Self-consistent Modeling of a Two-stage Wave-heating Magnetoplasma Thruster

Abstract

Conventional modeling of two-stage wave-heating magnetoplasma thrusters faces fundamental limitations in capturing the intrinsically interconnected processes including plasma generation, transport, and wave heating. Thus, there is a huge gap between theoriodical studies and applications. Presented here is an integrated self-consistent model for the two-stage wave-heating magnetoplasma thruster by developing a multi-module framework iteratively linking specialized solvers for various processes important for thrust and specific impulse, which are crucial for space missions. This approach achieves the first self-consistent whole-device simulation of the 50 kW Super-conducting Tunable Acceleration Rocket (STAR) thruster, resolving the complete process chain from helicon plasma generation to ion cyclotron acceleration. The results provide the three-dimensional distribution characteristics of plasma/neutral-gas density and electron/ion temperature, which are key parameters for aerospace thrusters. Model benchmark shows good agreement against STAR experiments. Furthermore, the correlations of plasma generation, transport, wave energy deposition, and their influences on plasma parameters are revealed, providing a foundation for thrust/specific-impulse throttling in deep-space missions.