A Stationary Hydrodynamic Model for Hall Thruster

A new stationary hydrodynamic model of the Hall thruster has been developed. The analysis of this model shows that for typical SPT operating conditions, a relatively thin layer with large gradients of plasma parameters can exist within the flow inside the SPT channel. A considerable part of the ion acceleration occurs within this layer, whose thickness can be determined by the electron viscosity. In good agreement with the predictions of our model, recent LIF measurements show a clear manifestation of ion acceleration in a relatively thin layer in the near-cathode region of the thruster.