MFEM Application to EM-Wave Simulation in ECR Space Plasma Thrusters

Explore a conference talk from the MFEM Workshop 2022 focusing on the application of MFEM to electromagnetic wave simulation in ECR space plasma thrusters. Delve into Alvaro Sánchez Villar's presentation from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, which demonstrates the solution of Maxwell equations using the cold-plasma approximation for designing electron cyclotron resonance plasma thrusters in space propulsion. Learn how MFEM finite element discretization is employed to solve time-harmonic electromagnetic waves and how the electromagnetic power density absorbed by the plasma influences thruster performance. Gain insights into the coupled simulations of electromagnetic-wave and plasma transport problems, their role in interpreting thruster operational principles, and their comparison with experimental measurements to assess model accuracy and limitations.