Parametric Study of a Stationary Plasma Thruster using a Two-Dimensional Hybrid Model

A 2D model of a stationary plasma thruster has been developed. The model is based on a collisionless treatment of ions and neutral atoms, coupled with a fluid description of electron transport assuming quasi-neutrality. The results reproduce the low frequency oscillations due to neutral depletion by ionization in the exhaust region. We show that the results are strongly dependent on the assumptions which are made on the electron mobility. We discuss the influence of this parameter on various discharge characteristics.