Statistics – Applications
Scientific paper
Sep 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003esasp.540..351d&link_type=abstract
In: Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment, 16-20 June 2003, Noordwijk, The Netherla
Statistics
Applications
1
Space Environment, Materials, Ground Testing
Scientific paper
Due to their dielectric nature and under the effect of the different forms of radiation encountered in space, dielectrics accumulate electrical charges up to the point where electrostatic discharges may occur. To prevent and avoid harmful interference due to discharges, their behaviour under irradiation must therefore be investigated in the laboratory before they are used in space applications. A current and widely used practice is to submit the tested materials to the bombardment of monoenergetic electron beams. Such a practice ignores the presence in space of a spectrum of electrons with energies reaching several MeV, and leads solely to surface charging and surface potentials generally higher than those really induced in space. The new approach used by "SIRENE" is to build an electron source as similar as possible to the one existing in orbit. This paper describes the SIRENE facility, which was developed for simulating the spatial geo-stationary environment during great geomagnetic activity. The range of available electrons goes from 10 to 400 keV. From a monoenergetic electron beam of 400 keV and thanks to a complex diffusion foil (made of several foils of different thicknesses and surface areas) the quantity of electrons of each energy level present in this particular environment is reproduced. However, it is always possible to work at lower energy levels in the monoenergetic range, for instance to simulate the inverted gradient mode. This paper provides information on the spectrum used for testing materials in the geo-stationary environment, and on the potential for adapting it to other orbits. It also gives the first results demonstrating the interest of this new approach. It also mentions the new instruments used to measure the surface potential as well as the space charge through the complete thickness of the material.
Dirassen B.
Lévy Laurent
Payan Denis
Reulet René
No associations
LandOfFree
The SIRENE facility - an improved method for simulating the charge of dielectrics in a charging electron environment does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The SIRENE facility - an improved method for simulating the charge of dielectrics in a charging electron environment, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The SIRENE facility - an improved method for simulating the charge of dielectrics in a charging electron environment will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1153123