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Dynamic interactions between ionospheric plasma and spacecraftStudies of the interactions between the Space Station Freedom and ionospheric plasma led to an improved understanding of the dynamics of these interactions. Some of the issues related to developing and sustaining arcs in ionospheric conditions are considered. A technique for the estimation of the amplitude and duration of arcs is presented. The technique uses the capacitance of the system to estimate the peak current and then uses the charge stored to estimate the arc duration. As new technologies are implemented on spacecraft, new environmental compatibility issues will arise. Some of the issues related to driving dielectric surfaces with alternating current voltages are considered. The steady state charging criteria is that over an oscillation, the ion charge collected is compensated for by the electron charge collected. This tends to drive the average potential negative so that the dielectric surface is positive for only a small portion of the cycle.
Document ID
19960035745
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Snyder, David B.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
96N30484
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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