Analysis of Dynamical Plasma Interactions with High-Voltage Spacecraft. Volume 2
Abstract
This volume is the users' and programmers' manual for the DynaPAC computer code. DynaPAC is a user-friendly and programmer-friendly workbench for studying plasma interactions with realistic spacecraft in three dimensions. DynaPAC enables plasma interactions specialists to perform predictive scientific calculations with direct application to engineering problems. DynaPAC uses a finite element algorithm with strictly continuous electric fields for accurate potential calculation and particle tracking, and contains a powerful database utility for storage and communication of large data arrays. The core capabilities of DynaPAC are (1) to define the spacecraft geometry and the structure of the computational space; (2) to solve the electrostatic potential about the object with space charge computed either fully by particles, fully analytically, or in a hybrid manner; and (3) to generate and track representative macroparticles in the computational space. The core modules are designed to have the maximum practical user control and to facilitate the incorporation of new or modified algorithms. Preprocessors are provided to set boundary conditions and generate input files in a modern, screen-oriented way. Similarly, screen-oriented postprocessors are provided for graphical and textual data display.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA262784
Entities
People
- J. Lilley
- M. J. Mandell
- T. Luu