A simple model to determine the interrelation between the integral characteristics of hall thrusters

A simple model to determine the interrelation between the integral characteristics of Hall thrusters with an anode layer is proposed. The model includes the equation describing the balance of forces acting on the Hall current region, as well as the relationship between the current of accelerated ions and the rate of working gas consumption. For fixed geometrical characteristics of a specific Hall thruster, this model allows one to interrelate the main integral characteristics of the thruster, such as the accelerating voltage, the magnetic field, the propellant flow rate, and the current of accelerated ions. The results of calculations for TAL-WSF/D-55—one of the most widely used Hall thrusters with an anode layer—are presented. The domain of existence of the discharge in the channel of the Hall thruster is analyzed. It is shown that taking into account kinetic effects of neutral particle expansion and working gas preheating lead to a decrease in the current of accelerated ions and the engine thrust.