Several researchers have suggested using hollow cathodes as plasma contactors for electrodynamic tethers, particularly to prevent the shuttle orbiter from charging to large negative potentials. Previous studies have shown that fluid models with anomalous scattering can describe the electron transport in hollow cathode generated plasmas. An improved theory of the hollow cathode plasmas is developed and computational results using the theory are compared with laboratory experiments. Numerical predictions for a hollow cathode plasma source of the type considered for use on the shuttle are presented, as are three-dimensional NASCAP/LED calculations of the emitted ion trajectories and the resulting potentials in the vicinity of the orbiter. The computer calculations show that the hollow cathode plasma source makes vastly superior contact with the ionospheric plasma compared with either an electron gun or passive ion collection by the orbiter.


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    Title :

    Hollow cathodes as electron emitting plasma contactors: Theory and computer modeling


    Additional title:

    Hohlkathoden als Mittel zur Plasmaankopplung und Elektronenemission: Theorie und Computermodellierung


    Contributors:
    Davis, V.A. (author) / Katz, I. (author) / Mandell, M.J. (author) / Parks, D.E. (author)


    Publication date :

    1987


    Size :

    6 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 15 Quellen


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Hollow cathodes as electron emitting plasma contactors - Theory and computer modeling

    Davis, V. A. / Katz, I. / Mandell, M. J. et al. | NTRS | 1988


    Hollow cathodes as electron emitting plasma contactors - Theory and computer modeling

    DAVIS, V. A. / KATZ, I. / MANDELL, M. J. et al. | AIAA | 1988



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    Ground-based tests of hollow cathode plasma contactors

    WILLIAMS, JOHN / WILBUR, PAUL | AIAA | 1989