Modeling the Ionization Yield in Solar Panel Discharges

Physics

Scientific paper

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0654 Plasmas, 2423 Ionization Mechanisms, 7823 Ionization Processes, 7855 Spacecraft Sheaths, Wakes, Charging

Scientific paper

Discharges between differentially charged surfaces and solar cell panels on spacecraft are detrimental to spacecraft operations and survivability. Laboratory experiments reveal that the threshold electrostatic potential for the onset of discharges is lower if the ambient plasma density is higher and that a neutral gas cloud often emerges from the discharge initiation point. We offer a theoretical model for the ionization yield in such a discharge. Electron impact ionization of an expanding cloud of neutral gas emerging from a point on a surface is considered. The electrons are accelerated in the Paschen manner by the electric field between the differentially charged surfaces or panels. The theoretical results show that the ionization yield depends on the initial seed ionization, the time delay of the discharge initiation, the neutral density, the potential between the electrodes, the expansion rate of the cloud, and the electron impact ionization cross-section.

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