Effects of the neutral dynamics model on the particle-in-cell simulations of a Hall thruster plasma discharge

The dynamics of the neutral atoms in Hall thrusters affects several plasma processes, from ionization to electrons' mobility. In context thruster's particle-in-cell (PIC) modeling, neutrals are often treated kinetically, similar species, and their interactions with themselves ions resolved using direct-simulation Monte–Carlo (DSMC) algorithm. However, DSMC approach is computationally resource demanding. Therefore, modeling as a 1D fluid has been also pursued simulations that do not involve radial coordinate and, hence, resolve neutrals' expansion. this article, we present an extensive study on sensitivity PIC thruster discharge model used for dynamics. We carried out axial various kinetic models well self-consistent quasi-2D axial-azimuthal different neutrals’ descriptions. Our results show predictions either or 2D configurations highly sensitive model, treatments change spatiotemporal evolution discharge. Moreover, observed considering ion-neutral collisions causes significant variation temperature, thus requiring energy equation be included system equations. Finally, highlighted based continuity conservation only appropriate choice leads physically unexpected high-frequency global oscillations.