VSTRAP-HET 1.1.5 — Loading hotfix
Release Date: 19 September 2025
This patch fixes a bug introduced in version 1.1.4, where the loading function of a simulation would fail due to an error.
VSTRAP-HET 1.1.4 — Magnetic field hotfix
Release Date: 27 August 2025
This patch fixes a bug causing a simulation to not start when a magnetic field file is loaded and the permittivity scaling is used to speed up the simulation.
VSTRAP-HET 1.1.3 — Visualization & Diagnostics Refinement
Release Date: 14 July 2025
This update improves the clarity and accuracy of runtime diagnostics during long simulations.
Improvements
- Restored Physical Time Axis in Runtime Plots
Physical time labels now consistently appear on x-axes during diagnostics. - Clearer Reaction Rate Visualization
Enhanced visual scaling and legend formatting for reaction rate diagnostics
VSTRAP-HET 1.1.2 — Configuration Reliability Enhancements
Release Date: 15 May 2025
This update strengthens configuration reliability for inflow boundaries and default parameters.
Improvements
- Inflow & Tank Configuration Stability
User-defined inflow and tank boundary conditions now save and reload correctly. - Drift Velocity Default Handling
Default drift velocity is now computed accurately when not specified by the user.
VSTRAP-HET 1.1.1 — Runtime & Post-Processing Enhancements
Release Date: 18 March 2025
This update delivers key quality-of-life improvements to diagnostics, compatibility and post-processing.
Key Improvements
- Backward Compatibility Restored
Simulation setups created in version 1.0.0 are now fully supported. - Input Validation for Thermal Accommodation
Values are now properly constrained to the valid [0, 1] range. - Improved Runtime Plot Behavior
- Log-scaled plots remain stable during auto-updates
- Fallback to linear scaling when negative values are encountered
- Optimized Chemistry Configuration
Redundant interaction file loading is now bypassed in chemistry mode. - Post-Processing Clarity
- Timestamps for plasma and neutral flows now harmonized
- A visual separator improves time-region distinction
- Tab-specific information updates accurately in the general info panel
- Interface Clarity
Several parameters in the speedup section have been renamed for better user understanding.
VSTRAP-HET 1.1.0 — Major Feature Release
Release Date: 4 February 2025
We’re pleased to announce the release of VSTRAP-HET 1.1.0, introducing a suite of powerful new capabilities for thruster geometry configuration, propellant flexibility, and post-processing control.
New Capabilities
New Neutralizer Configuration
Users can now place a neutralizer and configure emission parameters directly within the domain.
Cylindrical Channel Configuration
Support for differing channel lengths enables realistic modeling of modern thruster geometries.
Flexible Electrode & Anode Placement
Electrodes and anodes can be freely positioned or attached to other elements such as dielectrics or existing electrodes.
New Propellant Option: Krypton
Krypton joins xenon as a selectable noble gas, supporting alternative performance studies.
Product Enhancements
Post-Processing & Runtime Enhancements
- Clearer plot/tab naming across diagnostics
- Toggleable legends and log-scale switching for runtime plots
- Updated color palette for visual clarity
- Streamlined display of data in post-processing tabs
Performance & Data Handling
- Improved runtime memory usage during diagnostics
- More reliable output availability across varying output frequencies
- Accurate magnetic field (B-field) loading from external maps
Experimental Feature
Thruster Export & Import for Plume Simulations
Export VSTRAP-HET thruster geometries for use in VSTRAP plume simulations, or import compatible thruster setups from plume environments.
These features are available for early testing and feedback.
These features are available for early testing and feedback.
Need Assistance?
For support, licensing inquiries, or feedback: support@sparc-industries.com