Magnetohydrodynamic Modelling of Plasma Thruster Engine for Small Satellites
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Start date: 01/10/2023
End date: 30/09/2024
Abstract
As humanity is currently experiencing insufficient resources in terms of natural resources and suitable habitat, there is a need to search for new resources in space. Therefore, the study and development of technology in space and astronomy is inevitable for the survival of the human race. Currently, Thailand has begun to study and research on space exploration and operations. In 2019, Thailand has established the Thai Space Consortium (TSC) with an interesting mission, TSC-2, which will lead a spacecraft to orbit the moon by 2027. In this study, a magnetohydrodynamics simulation of the plasma propulsion system for small satellites will be studied and modeled by using COMSOL Multiphysics and SOLIDWORKS software. This type of propulsion system uses electricity to generate thrust instead of combustion because of its higher efficiency. This research aims to study the operating process of the plasma propulsion system (Plasma Thruster) for small satellites. A 3D simulation of the plasma propulsion system will be analyzed. The PPS-1350 Hall Thruster with xenon propellant will be used as the prototype model. The propulsion system injects electrically neutral xenon gas through the propellant feeder (Anode) into the discharge chamber to generate positively charged xenon plasma and generate thrust.This study will include four modules consisting of Electrostatics module, Magnetic Fields module, Fluid Flow module and Plasma module. The results will then be validated by comparing with the PPS-1350 experimental data which operated at discharge voltage of 550 V with varying the flow rate of xenon injected into the discharge chamber and analyzed the variables that affect to thrust by changing the xenon flow rate, changing the magnetic field inside the discharge chamber, and changing the shape of the discharge chamber. The results of this study will be used as knowledge for further analysis of plasma propulsion system.
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