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Sheldon 1994
Sheldon, J.W. (1994). High-voltage electron collection by a spherical satellite. Journal of Geophysical Research 99: doi: 10.1029/94JA00299. issn: 0148-0227.

The numerical solution to the cold electron flow equations is presented for the region surrounding an ionospheric satellite at high positive potential. The momentum, continuity, and Poisson equations are solved simultaneously for satellite potentials of 1000, 10,000, 30,000, and 100,000 kT (kT=0.17 eV). The electron velocity vectors in the sheath region are presented. The electron current density to the satellite surface is also reported. Electrons impact the satellite surface with average velocity vectors having angles of incidence (relative to the surface normal) that increase from the satellite's magnetic pole to equator. A toroidal flow develops in the vicinity of the magnetic equator and expands away from the satellite surface as the surface potential is increased. The current density to the satellite surface increases with increasing satellite potential and decreases with increasing polar angle. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1994

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Space Plasma Physics, Charged particle motion and acceleration, Space Plasma Physics, Numerical simulation studies, Space Plasma Physics, Spacecraft sheaths, wakes, charging
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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