Electrostatic model for antenna signal generation from dust impacts Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Dust impacts on spacecraft are commonly detected by antenna instruments; as transient voltage perturbations. The signal waveform is generated by; the interaction between the impact-generated plasma cloud and the; elements of the antenna – spacecraft system. A general electrostatic; model is presented that includes the two key elements of the; interaction, namely the charge recollected from the impact plasma by the; spacecraft and the fraction electrons and cations that escape to; infinity. The clouds of escaping electrons and cations generate induced; signals, and their vastly different escape speeds are responsible for; the characteristic shape of the waveforms. The induced signals are; modeled numerically for the geometry of the system and the location of; the impact. The model employs a Maxwell capacitance matrix to keep track; of the mutual interaction between the elements of the system. A new; reduced-size model spacecraft is constructed for laboratory measurements; using the dust accelerator facility. The model spacecraft is equipped; with four antennas: two operating in a monopole mode, and one pair; configured as a dipole. Submicron-sized iron dust particles accelerated; to > 20 km/s are used for test measurements, where the; waveforms of each antenna are recorded. The electrostatic model provides; a remarkably good fit to the data using only a handful of physical; fitting parameters, such as the escape speeds of electrons and cations.; The presented general model provides the framework for analyzing antenna; waveforms and is applicable for a range of space missions investigating; the distribution of dust particles in relevant environments.

publication date

  • June 8, 2021

has restriction

  • hybrid

Date in CU Experts

  • June 16, 2021 10:35 AM

Full Author List

  • Shen MM; Sternovsky Z; Garzelli A; Malaspina DM

author count

  • 4

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