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Modeling of induced currents from electrodynamic tethers in a laboratory plasmaThe presently accepted picture of the current path for electrodynamic tethers envisions a quasi-dc current flow in a 'phantom loop' consisting of the tether, two field-aligned current channels into the ionosphere and a cross-field closing current in the E-layer. Predictions are made on the establishment and maintenance of a current loop in space based on observations of time-dependent currents between tethered electrodes in a large laboratory magnetoplasma. In addition to radiation from the contactors ('whistler wings'), the insulated tether is observed to emit waves (a 'whistler wedge'). The 'wedge' provides closure during loop formation by carrying cross-field polarization currents. Whistler spread within the ray cone leads to overlapping of the current wings not far from the tether hence minimizing the role of the ionospheric closure. Maintenance of the loop requires the continuous emission of whistler waves by the entire tether thereby providing severe radiation losses.
Document ID
19900065462
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Urrutia, J. M.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Stenzel, R. L.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 17
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
90A52517
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF PHY-87-13829
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1570
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-87-02793
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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