Electrodynamic Interactions Between Charged Space Systems and the Ionospheric Plasma Environment

Details Electrodynamic Interactions Between Charged Space Systems and the Ionospheric Plasma Environment Electrodynamic Interactions Between Charged Space Systems and the Ionospheric Plasma Environment

Feb 1991

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991phdt........78w&link_type=abstract

Thesis (PH.D.)--MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 1991.Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-10, Secti

Computer Science

Sound

1

Space Systems

Scientific paper

A general study is presented of the basic electrodynamic interactions between large, highly charged space systems and the low earth orbit plasma environment. This thesis covers both the plasma flow interactions in the vicinity of a spacecraft's exposed charged surface and the global -scale interactions surrounding the entire space system and emphasizes the physics of time-dependent phenomena. A dynamic analysis of radiation excitation has been developed based on cold plasma fluid theory. This dynamic analysis is applied to study the transient wave radiation from the activation of various current collecting systems in space. The temporal evolution and spatial propagation of the electromagnetic waves radiated by a space-station -like structure and tethered system are obtained. It is shown that the characteristics of radiation are determined by the matching of two sets of characteristic frequencies, and a rapid change in the current collection can give rise to substantial transient radiation interference. Both computer particle simulations and analytical treatment are carried out to study hypersonic plasma flow around large, high voltage plates of arbitrary angles of attack. The structures of the plasma sheath, presheath, and wake as well as the ion current collection is studied. It is found that the plasma wake behind a high-voltage plate at large angles of attack is characterized by two embedded sheaths in an otherwise quasi-neutral background. The embedded sheath originates from the plate tip and may either extend downstream or curve enough to strike the rear of the plate depending on the surface voltage, plate dimension, and angle of attack. The transient formation of the plasma sheath/presheath/wake and the dynamic coupling of the plasma flow with time-varying surface potential on the ion-plasma -time scale are also studied. For a plate at a near-zero angle of attack, a rapid change of surface potential will induce a large current overshoot which can significantly change the system's electrical coupling with the ionosphere. The electrodynamic environment of a model space station with two exposed charged platforms is also described. It is found that the local environment of the charged platform is dominated by the sheath and ion sound waves, while the global environment is mainly the Alfven wave radiation, which forms two "wing" structures attached to the space station's conducting platforms. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617 -253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.).

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