Modification of a very large thermal-vacuum test chamber for ionosphere and plasmasphere simulationNo large-volume chamber existed which could simulate the ion and electron environment of near-earth space. A very large thermal-vacuum chamber was modified to provide for the manipulation of the test volume magnetic field and for the generation and monitoring of plasma. Plasma densities of 1 million particles per cu cm were generated in the chamber where a variable magnetic flux density of up to 0.00015 T (1.5 gauss) was produced. Plasma temperature, density, composition, and visual effects were monitored, and plasma containment and control were investigated. Initial operation of the modified chamber demonstrated a capability satisfactory for a wide variety of experiments and hardware tests which require an interaction with the plasma environment. Potential for improving the quality of the simulation exists.
Document ID
19790026580
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Pearson, O. L. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex., United States)