Full-PIC Simulation of an ECR Plasma Thruster with Magnetic Nozzle

A coaxial ECR thruster is simulated using a 1D3V electromagnetic ParticleIn-Cell code coupled to a Monte-Carlo Collision module. The goal is to get a better understanding of the physical behavior of the thruster, in particular the wave absorption mechanism. For this purpose a non-dissipative wave solver is used, based on the Linear Bicharacteristic Scheme. The PIC model is used to run a parametric analysis of some simulation factors. The tendencies found in the simulation are in line with previous experimental results. This tools will be used to improve our understanding of the basic phenomena in the thruster and guide future modeling effort in 2D and 3D.