Sheath Shapes: A 3-D Generalization of the Child-Langmuir Sheath Model for Large High-Voltage Space Structures in Dense Plasmas,
Abstract
A new approach to computing sheaths of large high-voltage space structures in dense Low Earth Orbit/Polar Earth Orbit plasmas is described. The method solves the Poisson equation numerically, using a flexible-finite-element mesh that allows sheath shapes to be described through an extension of the well-known Child-Langmuir-Blodgett 1-D sheath model to three dimensions. Space charge is computed by following trajectories. This approach is potentially more efficient for 3-D sheath and wake problems than other approaches presently available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 25, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP002124
Entities
People
- E. G. Holeman
- J. E. Mccoy
- L. W. Parker