Hydrodynamic model of a Hall thruster with ionization and recombination

Hall thruster plasma dynamics is studied in the framework of multi-fluid model with ionization and recombination. Electrons are modeled as magnetized and hot, whereas ions are assumed unmagnetized and cold. The neutral dynamics is included through the neutral continuity equation with uniform neutral flow. The computed plasma density profile shows that the maximum density is located slightly inward from the channel exit suggesting maximum ionization inside the channel. The electron temperature peaks just near the exit closer to the inner wall. The plasma potential is fairly flat in most part of the channel before falling at the exit. Simulation results are interpreted in the light of published experimental data and numerical results.