Numerical Modeling of Pulsed Plasma Thruster Performance with Teflon Ablation and Ionization

A numerical model employing the ablation rate and ionization of Teflon is developed to analyze pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) performance. A one-dimensional lumped circuit analysis model is implemented to calculate the discharge current. The Saha equation and Keidar Teflon ablation model are used to analyze the ionization of carbon and fluorine molecules produced by the Teflon gas. The numerical model also predicts the electron temperature distribution and simplified plasma shape during the discharge. Numerical simulation results with different voltage conditions compare reasonably well with experimental data. The Teflon gas flux reaches its maximum value at the maximum electron temperature and then gradually decays. The multivalent ions are investigated for PPT operation.