Modeling of Gas and Plasma Flows of Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

Department of Aerospace Engineering
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI, 48109

Abstract-
Spacecraft use low thrust propulsion systems for orbit maintenance and orbit transfer. Modeling of the gas and plasma flows of these systems is required for device optimization and for understanding spacecraft integration issues. Our research is focused on the development of computer models for a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems. Particle methods such as direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and Particle In Cell (PIC) are employed. A review is given of some of our recent progress in modeling ion thrusters and pulsed plasma thrusters.

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