3-D Model Developments for Plasma Plumes
Abstract
Two different studies were supported under this AASERT Grant, One, performed by Master's Candidate, Gregory Yashko, examined the technical feasibility and economic impact of clusters of micro-satellites propelled by micro-ion engines. It was concluded that sensor distribution among several satellites is appropriate when savings from the increased reliability outweigh the increased deployment costs, and that large constellations of g-satellites could feasibly perform missions currently being carried out by large satellites. It was also found that the performance of micro-fabricated linear ion thrusters 5 poor because of insufficient primary electron confinement, so other micro-propulsion concepts appear to be necessary for implementation of g-sat clusters. The other study was carried out by Master's (later Ph.D.) candidate, Tatsuo Onishi, and it concerned the numerical modeling of electron capture by an ionospheric orbiting bare tether. A PIC method was developed for the simplified case in which magnetic field and relative plasma motion are ignored, and good agreement was found with classical results of Probe Theory for this case. These results opened the way for simulation of realistic tether configurations, a work which is now continuing under separate funding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 18, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA385993
Entities
People
- D. E. Hastings
- D. L. Cooke
- M. Martinez-sanchez
- T. Onishi
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology