The use of plasma contactors has been proposed as a means of enhancing the current flow through an electrodynamic tether. A simple isothermal spherical model of the plasma cloud around a contactor is outlined for a plasma contactor which is biased positively with respect to the ambient plasma and hence collects electrons. It is shown that for significant current amplification to occur, the plasma cloud must be turbulent. The amount of current amplification is obtained as a function of the ion current through the contactor. For ion currents of several amperes amplification factors of 2-6 can be obtained for potential drops in the range 100-500 V. For smaller ion currents, much larger amplification factors can be obtained.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Theory of plasma contactors used in the ionosphere


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1987-06-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Current collection to plasma contactors in the ionosphere

    HASTINGS, D. / BLANDINO, J. / OBERHARDT, M. | AIAA | 1989


    A fluid model of plasma contactors in the ionosphere

    IESS, L. / DOBROWOLNY, M. | AIAA | 1989