Nascap-2k Simulation of a Low-Frequency Antenna in Low-Earth Orbit

Abstract

NASCAP-2K can be used to calculate plasmadynamic effects as well as steady-state charging and current collection. In this paper we consider electron dynamics in the sheath of a VLF antenna. We estimate the sheath size, and show 1-D calculations for both sine wave and square wave excitation. The results show strong electrostatic plasma oscillations at the sheath edge. Then we use NASCAP-2K to approach the problem from 2 directions. Run as explicit Particle-in-Cell, NASCAP-2K can duplicate the square wave results through the first maximum in the plasma oscillation, obtaining excellent agreement with the 1-D results. Due to the computational demands of PIC, this approach can only simulate the early transients using a common PC. To learn more about the floating potential of the antenna, NASCAP-2K can be run as hybrid PlC to capture the ion dynamics over the full wave cycle.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 13, 2005
Accession Number
ADA473251

Entities

People

  • A. T. Wheelock
  • C. Roth
  • D. L. Cooke
  • M. J. Mandell
  • V. A. Davis

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Dynamics
  • Electric Fields
  • Electrons
  • Frequency
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Orbits
  • Oscillation
  • Particles
  • Plasma Oscillation
  • Simulations
  • Sine Waves
  • Spacecraft
  • Square Waves
  • Three Dimensional
  • Waveforms
  • Waves

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster