Comparisons and Evaluation of Hall Thruster Models

The aim of the project is to compare, evaluate, and possibly improve the following two SPT models: 1) The two-dimensional hybrid model developed at the MIT between 1994 and 1998, by Mike Fife and Manuel Martinez-Sanchez. 2) The two-dimensional hybrid model developed at the CPAT from 2000 to present, by the authors of this report. Both models attempt to provide a complete simulation of the temporal and spatial behavior of the SPT discharge, combining a particle description of neutrals and ions with a fluid description of electrons, where the electric field is obtained from assuming quasi-neutrality. In the first and main part of this report we break the models down into components, which we describe, compare, and discuss in detail. In the second part of the report we check for gross numerical errors in the models, by slightly modifying them so as to represent similar physics, and then comparing their results.