Speaker
Dr
phil ferrer
(wits)
Abstract content <br> (Max 300 words)
The corona ionization thruster produces thrust by ejecting gas through a hollow, highly electrically charged needle, where ionization of neutral gas molecules and consequent acceleration takes place. The exact mechanism for thrust production is still vague. Using the drift-diffusion approximation, we develop a spherically symmetric fluid simulation to model aspects of the plasma jet system. In contrast to a previous model , we demonstrate that downstream ionization can be significant, and that electron pressure effects are vital for maintaining quasi-neutrality and reproducing the correct dc discharge behavior. Simulations are performed for various voltage and pressures ranges at the needle tip of around 2−4 Torr.
Apply to be<br> consider for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
no
Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?
no
Primary author
Dr
phil ferrer
(wits)
Co-author
Dr
Trevor Lafleur
(Australian National University)
