Dilute plasma coupling currents to a high voltage solar array in weak magnetic fieldsThe plasma coupling current to an approximately 2000 sq cm array was measured for externally biased positive and negative voltages on the array to 1000 V in applied magnetic field strengths from 0 to 0.93 G. The plasma density varied from 2,000 to 1.3 million electrons/cu cm. It was found that the magnetic field primarily increased the plasma coupling current for negative biases. For positive bias, the current could increase or decrease depending on the voltage, field strength, and plasma density. It was also found that the plasma coupling current was not very sensitive to how the plane of the array was oriented relative to the magnetic field.
Document ID
19850063237
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Grier, N. T. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: IECEC ''84: Advanced energy systems - Their role in our future