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.
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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.

Need Assistance?

For support, licensing inquiries, or feedback: support@sparc-industries.com