Optimization of Ion Thruster Grids Using JIEDI Code with Genetic Algorithm

The grid design of ion thrusters is currently based on trial and error development and durability tests. These methods make it difficult to rapidly develop optimal thrusters for diverse missions. As a way to address this problem, this paper provides a method of designing grids using numerical simulation with a genetic algorithm. Screen grid thickness, screen grid hole diameter, accel grid thickness, accel grid hole diameter, accel grid potential, and grid gap are optimized for long-life grids. The JIEDI tool is a powerful tool to design grid systems; it is used here as a fitness function to evaluate the lifetime of the grid in an ion thruster. As a result of the optimization, the lifetime of the model developed using the genetic algorithm is about 6.5 times longer than that of the experimental model. The optimization of grid parameters using the Genetic Algorithm and the JIEDI tool shows promise for future design tasks.