Three dimensional simulation of the operation of a hollow cathode electron emitter on the Shuttle orbiterSeveral researchers have suggested using hollow cathodes as plasma contactors for electrodynamic tethers, particularly to prevent the shuttle orbiter from charging to large negative potentials. Previous studies have shown that fluid models with anomalous scattering can describe the electron transport in hollow cathode generated plasmas. An improved theory of the hollow cathode plasmas is developed and computational results using the theory are compared with laboratory experiment. Numerical predictions for a hollow cathode plasma source of the type considered for use on the shuttle are presented as are three-dimensional NASCAP/LEO calculations of the emitted ion trajectories and the resulting potentials in the vicinity of the orbiter. The computer calculations show that the hollow cathode plasma source makes vastly superior contact with the ionospheric plasma compared with either an electron gun or passive ion collection by the orbiter.
Document ID
19870026810
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Davis, V. A. (Systems Science and Software La Jolla, CA, United States)
Katz, I. (Systems Science and Software La Jolla, CA, United States)
Mandell, M. J. (Systems Science and Software La Jolla, CA, United States)
Parks, D. E. (Systems Science and Software La Jolla, CA, United States)