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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Electron collection enhancement arising from neutral gas jets on a charged vehicle in the ionosphere

Observations of current collection enhancements due to cold nitrogen gas control jet emissions from a highly charged, isolated rocket payload in the ionosphere have been made during the cooperative high altitude rocket gun experiment (CHARGE) 2 using an electrically tethered mother/daughter payload system. The current collection enhancement was observed on a platform (daughter payload) located 100 to 400 m away from the main payload firing an energetic electron beam (mother payload). These results are interpreted in terms of an electrical discharge forming in close proximity to the daughter vehicle during the short periods of gas emission. The results indicate that it is possible to enhance the electron current collection capability of positively charged vehicles by means of deliberate neutral gas releases into an otherwise undisturbed space plasma. The results are also compared with recent laboratory observations of hollow cathode plasma contactors operating in the 'ignited' mode.

Gilchrist, Brian E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The sheath structure around a negatively charged rocket payload

The sheath structure around a rocket payload charged up to 460 V negative relative to the ambient ionospheric plasma is investigated experimentally and by computer simulations. The experimental results come from the Charge 2 sounding rocket experiment in which the payload was split into two separate sections (mother and daughter) connected with a conducting, insulated tether. In one of the experimental modes, the voltage between the payloads was increased linearly from 0 to 460 V in 2.5 s. A floating probe array was mounted on the mother with probes located 25, 50, 75, and 100 cm from the rocket surface. The internal impedance of the array was smaller than the probe/plasma impedance, which influenced the potential measurements. The measurements contain signatures, resulting from the outward expansion of the ion sheath with increasing negative mother potential. This conclusion is substantiated by computer simulations of space charge limited flow.

Neubert, T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

VLF wave emissions by pulsed and dc electron beams in space. II - Analysis of Spacelab 2 results

Results are presented from experiments on the generation of radio frequency waves in space plasmas by the injection of artificial electron beams into ionospheric plasmas that were conducted on the Spacelab 2 Space Shuttle mission. The observations of narrow-band radiation (Reeves et al., 1988) are compared with the prediction of a theory of wave generation by pulsed electron beams (Harker and Banks, 1987). Good agreement is found between the observations and predictions for the s = 0, root 2 solutions representing Cerenkov radiation with wave normal angles less than the Gendrin angle. Also, for broadband emissions, predictions using a single-ion cold plasma theory are compared with the observed features. The broadband dc and pulsed electron beam emissions also have features that can be explained in terms of the characteristics of whistler mode waves produced by Cerenkov resonance.

Reeves, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Spacelab 2 electron beam wave stimulation - Studies of important parameters

Experimental results from Spacelab 2 experiments on the production of waves in ionospheric plasma by the injection of pulsed electron beams are reported. The wave environments which exist in the orbiter payload bay and at several hundred meters away are compared both during ambient conditions and during electron beam injections. The duty cycle of the beam is found to be one of the most important parameters affecting the amplitude and the harmonic structure of the waves. Maximum amplitudes are produced by 50 percent duty cycles and amplitudes are proportional to instantaneous, rather than average, beam current. The dependence of the harmonic structure on pulsing frequency shows good agreement with theory for whistler mode waves produced by the Cerenkov resonance.

Reeves, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The interaction of an artificial electron beam with the earth's upper atmosphere - Effects on spacecraft charging and the near-plasma evironment

The ionization created in the earth's upper atmosphere by an electron beam emitted from a low altitude spacecraft is described by two coupled nonlinear differential electron transport equations for the up-going and down-going differential energy flux. The equations are solved numerically, yielding estimates of the differential electron energy flux density at the spacecraft location. At altitudes below 200-250 km and for beam energies around 1 keV, it is shown that secondary electrons supply a significant contribution to the return current to the spacecraft and thereby reduce the spacecraft potential. The numerical results are in good agreement with observations from the Charge 2 sounding rocket experiment.

Neubert, T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Effects of neutral gas release on current collection during the CHARGE-2 rocket experiment

Observations of current collection enhancements due to cold nitrogen gas control jet emissions from a highly charged rocket payload in the ionosphere are reported. These observations were made during the second cooperative high altitude rocket gun experiment (CHARGE-2) which was an electrically tethered mother/daughter payload system. The current collection enhancement was observed at the daughter payload located 100 to 400 m away from the mother which was firing an energetic electron beam. The authors interpret these results in terms of an electrical discharge forming in close proximity to the daughter during the short periods of gas emission. The results indicate that it is possible to enhance the electron current collection capability of positively charged vehicles by means of deliberate neutral gas releases into an otherwise undisturbed space plasma. These results can also be compared with recent laboratory observations of hollow cathode plasma contactors operating in the ignited mode. Experimental observations of current collection enhancements due to cold nitrogen gas control jet emissions from a highly charged, isolated daughter payload in the nighttime ionosphere were made. These observations were derived from the second cooperative high altitude rocket gun experiment (CHARGE-2) which was an electrically tethered mother-daughter payload system. The rocket flew from White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in December, 1985. The rocket achieved an altitude of 261 km and carried a 1 keV electron beam emitting up to 48 mA of current (Myers, et al., 1989a). The mother payload, carried the electron beam source, while the daughter acted as a remote current collection and observation platform and reached a distance of 426 m away from the main payload. Gas emissions at the daughter were due to periodic thruster jet firings to maintain separation velocity between the two payloads.

Gilchrist, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Plasma density enhancements created by the ionization of the Earth's upper atmosphere by artificial electron beams

Analytical calculations and experimental observations relating to the interaction with the Earth's upper atmosphere of electron beams emitted from low altitude spacecraft are presented. The problem is described by two coupled nonlinear differential equations in the up-going (along a magnetic field line) and down-going differential energy flux. The equations are solved numerically, using the MSIS atmospheric model and the IRI ionospheric model. The results form the model compare well with recent observations from the CHARGE 2 sounding rocket experiment. Two aspects of the beam-neutral atmosphere interaction are discussed. First, the limits on the electron beam current that can be emitted from a spacecraft without substantial spacecraft charging are investigated. This is important because the charging of the spacecraft to positive potentials limits the current and the escape energy of the beam electrons and thereby limits the ionization of the neutral atmosphere. As an example, we find from CHARGE 2 observations and from the model calculations that below about 180 km, secondary electrons generated through the ionization of the neutral atmosphere by 1 to 10 keV electron beams from sounding rockets, completely balance the beam current, thereby allowing the emission of very high beam currents. Second, the amount of plasma production in the beam-streak is discussed. Results are shown for selected values of the beam energy, spacecraft velocity, and spacecraft altitude.

Neubert, Torsten↗
NASA NTRS1991

Estimating radiated power from a conducting tethered satellite system

In anticipation of the upcoming TSS-1 experiment, theoretical calculations are made of radiated power from a conducting tethered satellite system. The radiation results from the steady motion of the system through the ionospheric plasma and it is stimulated by collection and emission of charge by the noninsulated surfaces of the tethered end connectors. A model of the current system is developed which incorporates the tether wire, satellite surfaces, and sheath currents. The radiation impedance of the current model is calculated using the previously developed theory of Barnett and Olbert (1986). The results confirm the low-frequency Alfven wave description with a predicted radiation impedance of a few tenths of an ohm in the Alven wave limit. Calculations are also made in the lower hybrid and whistler wave band. A larger impedance of about 13 ohm is found for the frequency range 5-50 kHz. By estimating the passive ion current drawn by the system a prediction of the total radiated power is also made. The result of 0.38 mW raises the question of whether or not wave emissions from a passive current collecting system may be detectable by either ground- or space-based platforms.

Donohue, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Recent results from studies of electron beam phenomena in space plasmas

The paper examines selected results from experiments, performed in 1980s, involving the ejection of beams of electrons from spacecraft. Special attention is given to the basic processes associated with the spacecraft charging, passive current collection, beam-atmosphere interactions, beam-plasma interactions, and neutral gas emission. Consideration is also given to future experiments on active electron beam ejections in space.

Neubert, Torsten↗
NASA NTRS1992

Recent experimental measurements of space platform charging at LEO altitudes

The paper discusses some of the results of vehicle electrical potential from recent sounding rocket experiments involving charging of a space platform by both electron beam emission and by the application of differential bias between elements of the platform. Conclusions are presented that are applicable to the experimental parameters of the CHARGE-2 and SPEAR-1 payloads. The currents collected by HV biased collectors in the sphere show strong magnetic limiting and are close to the values predicted by Parker and Murphy (1967). No volume breakdown was observed above 100 km altitude by exposing voltages up to 45 kV to the ionosphere in the SPEAR-1 payload. The release of gas at flow rates typical of ACS systems can provide sufficient plasma to electronically neutralize space platforms biased at either positive or negative potentials.

Raitt, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The dynamics of low-beta plasma clouds as simulated by a three-dimensional, electromagnetic particle code

A 3D electromagnetic and relativistic particle simulation code is used to investigate the dynamics of low-beta plasma clouds moving perpendicular to an ambient magnetic field in vacuum and in a background plasma. The simulations show the formation of the space charge sheaths at the sides of the cloud with the associated polarization electric field which facilitate the cross-field propagation, as well as the sheaths at the front and rear end of the cloud caused by the larger ion Larmor radius, which allows ions to move ahead and lag behind the electrons as they gyrate. It is found that, in a background plasma, electron and ion sheaths expand along the magnetic field at the same rate, whereas in vacuum the electron sheath expands much faster than the ion sheath. Sheath clouds are accelerated up to relativistic energies, which indicates that artificial plasma clouds released in the ionosphere or magnetosphere may generate optical emissions as energetic sheath electrons scatter in the upper atmosphere.

Neubert, T.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Studies of dynamic processes related to active experiments in space plasmas

This is the final report for grant NAGw-2055, 'Studies of Dynamic Processes Related to Active Experiments in Space Plasmas', covering research performed at the University of Michigan. The grant was awarded to study: (1) theoretical and data analysis of data from the CHARGE-2 rocket experiment (1keV; 1-46 mA electron beam ejections) and the Spacelab-2 shuttle experiment (1keV; 100 mA); (2) studies of the interaction of an electron beam, emitted from an ionospheric platform, with the ambient neutral atmosphere and plasma by means of a newly developed computer simulation model, relating model predictions with CHARGE-2 observations of return currents observed during electron beam emissions; and (3) development of a self-consistent model for the charge distribution on a moving conducting tether in a magnetized plasma and for the potential structure in the plasma surrounding the tether. Our main results include: (1) the computer code developed for the interaction of electrons beams with the neutral atmosphere and plasma is able to model observed return fluxes to the CHARGE-2 sounding rocket payload; and (2) a 3-D electromagnetic and relativistic particle simulation code was developed.

Banks, Peter M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Solar wind-magnetosphere interaction as simulated by a 3-D EM particle code

We present here our first results of simulating the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction with a new three-dimensional electromagnetic particle code. Hitherto such global simulations were done with MHD codes while lower-dimensional particle or hybrid codes served to account for microscopic processes and such transport parameters as have to be introduced ad hoc in MHD. Our kinetic model attempts to combine the macroscopic and microscopic tasks. It relies only on the Maxwell curl equation and the Lorentz equation for particles, which are ideally suited for computers. The preliminary results shown here are for an unmagnetized solar wind plasma streaming past a dipolar magnetic field. The results show the formation of a bow shock and a magnetotail, the penetration of energetic particles into cusp and radiation belt regions, and dawn-dusk asymmetries.

Buneman, Oscar↗
NASA NTRS1993

Artificial auroras in the upper atmosphere. I - Electron beam injections

The Atlas-1 Spacelab payload's Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators generated artificial electron beams for the stimulation of auroral emissions at southern auroral latitudes. Optical measurements were made by the Shuttle Orbiter's onboard TV cameras, as well as by the Atmospheric Emissions Photometric Imager (in both white light and the 427.8 nm N2(+) emission line). Shuttle-based auroral imaging furnished a novel perspective on the artificial auroras; the emissions were traced from 295 km to the 110 km level along the curved magnetic-field lines.

Burch, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1940

Rectangular Shell Plating Under Uniformly Distributed Hydrostatic Pressure

A check of the calculation methods used by Foppl and Henky for investigating the reliability of shell plating under hydrostatic pressure has proved that the formulas yield practical results within the elastic range of the material. Foppl's approximate calculation leaves one on the safe side. It further was found on the basis of the marked ductility of the shell plating under tensile stress that the strength is from 50 to 100 percent higher in the elastic range than expected by either method.

Neubert, M↗
NASA NTRS1993

The third generation SLR station Potsdam no. 7836

The new satellite laser ranging (SLR) station Potsdam has been installed during the winter of 1991/1992 in an existing dome near the old ruby laser at Helmert Tower. It has been built around a one-meter-Coude telescope and is equipped by a 50 ps Nd:YAG laser and a SPAD receiver. The first successful Lageos passes were obtained in May 1992 demonstrating 2-3 cm rms at the single photon level. The new station will be used for experimental work and selected campaigns as well.

Fischer, H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Current loop coalescence studied by 3-D electromagnetic particle code

Solar flare plasma data from the Yohkoh satellite is analyzed. The interactions of current loops were observed in the active regions on the Sun. This observation pointed out the importance of the idea that the solar flare is generated by the coalescence of current loops. The three dimensional electromagnetic particle simulations are to help in understanding the global interaction between two current loops including the evolution of the twist of loops due to instabilities. Associated rapid dynamics of current loop coalescence such as reconnection, shock waves and associated kinetic processes such as energy transfer, acceleration of particles, and electromagnetic emissions are to be studied by the code to complement analytical theories and magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the current loop coalescence. The simulation results show the strong interactions between two current loops, beam and whistler instabilities, and associated parallel and perpendicular particle heating.

Nishikawa, Ken-Ichi↗