Numerical Analysis of Highly Eroded Grid Surfaces of μ20 Ion Engine

Abstract

Grid erosion analysis of a μ20 ion engine was carried out. The design principle of the grid optics for the μ20 ion engine is fairly unique, in that the acceleration grid is ion-beam machined to produce an optimum grid shape by the direct impingement of ion beams. By adopting a new grid surface model and strategy for updating the grid surfaces, the highly eroded grid surfaces of the μ20 ion engine were successfully analyzed. Parametric studies were also conducted to assess the grid lifetimes for different acceleration grid voltages.