AN ANALYSIS OF HIGH IONOSPHERE POSITIVE ION RAM PROBES,
Abstract
An analysis of ion collection to a rocket borne ion probe is presented. The analysis is performed for both the planar and spherical geometry probes taking into account the presence of the ion sheath which surrounds the probe. From the above, the error introduced into the operation of the probe by the presence of the ion sheath is determined. The analysis is applied to the high altitude ion probe which was flown on NASA Javelin 8.29 on May 19, 1965 as part of the Mother-Daughter project. Less than 2% error was attributed to the presence of the sheath for probe operation to an altitude of 500 km. At 500 km. the sheath size approaches the probe dimension, and the probe ceases to operate according to ram theory. From the analysis, design suggestions are made which theoretically enable an ion probe of this type to operate with less than 2% sheath error to an altitude of 1000 km. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0649581
Entities
People
- B. A. Pontano
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University