How to Build PIC-MCC Models for Hall Microthrusters

This paper gives instructions on how to build a 3-D particle-based model of a Hall microthruster. Due to nonequilibrium character induced by low electron thermalization and isotropization rates, presence of different microinstabilities and strong plasma-surface interaction, a multidimensional and kinetic description is necessary. The different modules characterizing the particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision cycle are described presenting the last algorithms developed. The model is applied to the study of an SPT20 configuration. Results confirm the importance of a 3-D structure of the discharge with self-organized azimuthal structures. Important deviations from Maxwellian behavior have been detected.