Computer Simulation of Ion Collection by an Ionospheric Probe.
Abstract
Monte Carlo calculations of positive ion collection by a flat faced cylindrical probe were carried out at speed ratio 1.5 over a range of (lambda sub infinity)/D (neutral molecule mean free path/cylinder diameter) and (lambda sub D)/D (Debye length/D) at a fixed cylinder front face potential of -10 volts. Under collisionless conditions (lambda sub infinity) >> D) it was found that for (lambda sub D)/D > 1.0 the ion flux to the front face stagnation point was approximately 35 times the field-free ion flux. The stagnation point ion flux decreased rapidly as (lambda sub D)/D was reduced below 1.0, reaching a value of approximately 4 times the field free ion flux at (lambda sub D)/D = .03. The ion flux at (lambda sub D)/D = .03, when scaled to conditions for which flight data were available was found to be a factor of 4 higher than the flight measured flux. (Author Modified Abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0757481
Entities
People
- Frank W. Vogenitz
Organizations
- TRW Inc.