Charging of dielectrics deep within spacecraft structures by the high-energy portion of the electron environment is investigated. Order-of-magnitude estimates of charging rates and saturation fields are made for spacecraft dielectrics and compared with breakdown thresholds. Results indicate that radiation-induced and natural conductivities of several spacecraft dielectrics are sufficiently low to permit charge accumulation to the point of dielectric breakdown. It is concluded that the high-energy portion of the natural environment can produce discharges and reasonably large replacement currents within the spacecraft structure and cables.
Spacecraft charging effects by the high-energy natural environment
Elektrische Entladungseffekte durch kosmische Strahlung hoher Energie in Raumfahrzeugen
IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science ; 24 , 6 ; 2281-2284
1977
4 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 7 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
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