Nascap-2k Spacecraft Charging Code Overview
Abstract
Nascap-2k is a modem spacecraft charging code, replacing the older codes NASCAP/GEO, NASCAP/LEO, POLAR, and DynaPAC. The code builds on the physical principles, mathematical algorithms, and user experience developed over three decades of spacecraft charging research. Capabilities include surface charging in geosynchronous and interplanetary orbits, sheath and wake structure and current collection in low-Earth orbits, and auroral charging. External potential structure and particle trajectories are computed using a finite element method on a nested grid structure and may be visualized within the Nascap-2k interface. Space charge can be treated either analytically, self-consistently with particle trajectories, or by importing plume densities from an external code such as EPIC (Electric Propulsion Interactions Code). Particle-in-cell capabilities are available to study dynamic plasma effects. Auxiliary programs to Nascap-2k include Object Toolkit (for developing spacecraft surface models) and GridTool (for constructing nested grid structures around spacecraft models). The capabilities of the code are illustrated by way of three examples: charging of a geostationary satellite, self-consistent potentials for a negative probe in a LEO spacecraft wake, and potentials associated with thruster plumes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA473373
Entities
People
- A. T. Wheelock
- D. L. Cooke
- M. J. Mandell
- V. A. Davis
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory