Particle-in-cell simulation for the effect of magnetic cusp on discharge characteristics in a cylindrical Hall thruster

The cylindrical Hall thruster has the good prospect of serving as a miniaturized electric propulsion device. A 2D-3V particle-in-cell plus Monte Carlo (PIC-MCC) method is used to study the effect of the magnetic cusp on discharge characteristics of a cylindrical Hall thruster. The simulation results show that the main ionization region and the main potential drop of the thruster are located at the upstream of the discharge channel. When the magnetic cusp moves toward the anode side, the main ionization region is compressed and weakened, moving upstream correspondingly. The ionization near the cusp is enhanced, and the interaction between the plasma and the wall increases. The simulation results suggest that the magnetic cusp should be located near the channel exit.