Experimental validation of a phenomenological model of the plasma contacting processA preliminary model of the plasma coupling process is presented which describes the phenomena observed in ground-based experiments using a hollow cathode plasma contactor to collect electrons from a dilute ambient plasma under conditions where magnetic field effects can be neglected. The locations of the double-sheath region boundaries are estimated and correlated with experimental results. Ion production mechanisms in the plasma plume caused by discharge electrons from the contactor cathode and by electrons streaming into the plasma plume through the double-sheath from the ambient plasma are also discussed.
Document ID
19890055986
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Williams, John D. (Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins, CO, United States)
Wilbur, Paul J. (Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins, CO, United States)
Monheiser, Jeff M. (Colorado State University Fort Collins, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intl. Conference on Space Tethers for Science in the Space Station Era