Guillermo Cuerva Lazaro

PhD Thesis

Turbulent transport characterization in Hall thruster

Supervisors

Eduardo Ahedo (UC3M) & Adrián Dominguez Vazquez (Universidad de Malaga)

Abstract

Instabilities and associated turbulence are ubiquitous in magnetized propulsion plasmas. They increase transport perpendicular to the magnetic field and degrade confinement. Turbulence occurs over a wide range of wavelengths (from fluid-dynamic to cyclotronic and electrostatic) and frequencies (from a few kHz to tens of MHz). The most studied and interesting case is that of the Hall Effect Thruster (HET). Since its conception, it has been known that some instabilities substantially increase transport perpendicular to the magnetic field. This has a negative impact on energy efficiency, a key parameter for any space engine. Although significant advances have been made, a solid turbulence model that determines the main instability, its intensity, and characteristics in terms of plasma parameters has yet to be established and implemented in HET simulation codes.

Project participation

HEEP – Propulsión Electromagnética por efecto Hall

Ref.No.: PID2022-140035OB-I00

Funding Entity: Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)

Doctoral Meetings

2024-2025

You can check the presentation here.