Numerical simulation of three-dimension mixture gases plume and its effects

To simulate actual attitude control thruster plume flow and its effects, the three-dimensional plume effects were studied by the approach which combines difference solution of Navier-Stokes(N-S) equations and the three-dimension mixture gases direct simulation Monte Carlo method(DSMC), according to the layout of the thruster on the satellite and actual attitude control thruster's exhaust consisting of mixture gases. The plume parameters of the flow field, aerodynamic force and aerodynamic thermal effects to solar cells were obtained for a 5 N hydrazine satellite attitude control thruster. The result shows that N₂ and NH₃ should be paid more attention for the plume effects' protection of solar cells and the plume can bring the force and thermal effects on the solar cells. The peak value of aerodynamic force and aerodynamic thermal effects is on the front of the solar cells. The work is helpful for the plume effects research.