An axisymmetric hybrid model of the plasma in a radio-frequency ion thruster chamber

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Increased RF power enhances propellant utilization and ion beam current, but lowers energy efficiency.
An optimal RF power exists for maximizing thrust efficiency at a specific mass flow rate of xenon.
Modeling combines an axisymmetric hybrid particle/fluid code for plasma behavior in ion thruster chambers.
Findings suggest about 60% of RF power is lost, primarily due to wall interactions and lack of confinement.

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Observational analysis examines thrust efficiency by varying RF power and mass flow rate of xenon.

Fabbriche et al. (2025) studied this question.

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