Statistical analysis of the acceleration zone location in hall thrusters
This study uses a stepwise regression strategy to examine the interaction between the Hall thruster operating parameters and the location of the acceleration zone. The results of the regression are then linked to the Hall thruster physics, specifically the cross-field electron mobility. The location of the acceleration zone is shown to have a strong correlation with peak magnetic field strength and a correlation with a two-factor interaction between discharge current and peak magnetic field strength. These terms are related to Bohm and classical electron mobility, respectively. As peak magnetic field strength increase, the acceleration zone moves upstream. As discharge current increase the acceleration zone moves downstream. The acceleration zone starts where the centerline magnetic field is between 70-90% of the peak centerline magnetic field strength. This has implications for estimating the acceleration zone location, the relative beam divergence, and the location of discharge channel erosion during thruster design.
