Title :
Simulation of the Cluster-Spacecraft Floating Probe Potential
Author :
Thiébault, Benoît ; Hilgers, Alain ; Masson, Arnaud ; Escoubet, C. Philippe ; Laakso, Harri
Author_Institution :
Eur. Space Res. & Technol. Centre, Noordwijk
Abstract :
In this paper, a numerical model of the Cluster-spacecraft electric potential has been developed and validated. This model provides a good fit to the plasma density as a function of spacecraft chassis potential relative to a Langmuir probe as recorded along the Cluster-spacecraft orbit when the plasma density was between 1 and 80 cm -3 during a plasmaspheric crossing. The model is used to assess the uncertainty in density-determination methods based on potential measurements. Furthermore, this model provides constraints on the parameters suitable for describing the photoelectron emission and might be used in the future to estimate plasma temperature in space
Keywords :
Langmuir probes; astrophysical plasma; plasma density; plasma simulation; space vehicles; Cluster-spacecraft electric potential; Cluster-spacecraft floating probe potential; Langmuir probe; photoelectron emission; plasma density; plasma temperature; plasmaspheric crossing; spacecraft chassis potential; Density measurement; Extraterrestrial measurements; Instruments; Plasma density; Plasma measurements; Plasma temperature; Probes; Space technology; Space vehicles; Wire; Extraterrestrial measurements; extraterrestrial plasmas; plasma measurements;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2006.883407
