How do I simulate an ion thruster?

Open this page and use the live Compressible Nozzle Flow tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive an ion thruster from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Compressible Nozzle Flow

Compressible Nozzle Flow for an ion thruster

Simulate an ion thruster live in your browser. This runs the real Compressible Nozzle Flow solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Compressible Nozzle FlowLive

converging–diverging & choked flow

Controls

Presets

Specific-heat ratio γ

Back/stagnation pressure ratio

In a converging–diverging (de Laval) nozzle, gas accelerates to Mach 1 at the throat, then goes supersonic in the diverging section. The exit Mach number follows from the pressure ratio via isentropic flow relations. Educational tool.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Exit Mach number1.71

Area ratio Aₑ/A*1.35

Flow regimesupersonic

Governing equation

\frac{A _{e}}{A ^{*}} = \frac{1}{1.71} [\frac{2}{1.4 + 1} (1 + \frac{1.4 - 1}{2} 1.7 1^{2})]^{\frac{1.4 + 1}{2 ( 1.4 - 1 )}} = 1.35

Reading this result: Exit Mach 1.71 is supersonic — the flow chokes at Mach 1 in the throat, then the diverging section keeps accelerating it, which demands an area ratio Ae/A* of 1.35.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Compressible Nozzle Flow tool models an ion thruster with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate an ion thruster?: Open this page and use the live Compressible Nozzle Flow tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive an ion thruster from your own measurements.