Monte Carlo Simulation of Ion Collection by a Rocket-Borne Mass Spectrometer.
Abstract
A systematic parametric variation for the positive ion collection by a rocket-borne probe has been completed for the following parameters; speed ratio 3.10, non-dimensional front face potential -200, zero sidewall potential, Debye numbers from 0.01 to 1000, and Knudsen numbers from 0.007 to 1000. The effects of finite space charge on the vehicle are to lower the ion flux to the stagnation point. It is found that the ion flux follows a uniform trend for Knudsen numbers greater than 0.2, but becomes complicated for the near-continuum regime, e.g., Knudsen number equal to 0.007, which is discussed in detail. Investigation of vehicle angle of attack and internal degrees of freedom indicate that the effects on the ion flux are small. The formulation for the collection negative ions has been completed and preliminary results indicate that the electrons are described properly. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA039945
Entities
People
- Takashi Sugimura
Organizations
- TRW Inc.