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Continuum-plasma solution surrounding nonemitting spherical bodies

Authors :
Ian H. Hutchinson
Leonardo Patacchini
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Plasma Science and Fusion Center
Hutchinson, Ian H.
Patacchini, Leonardo
Source :
Ian Hutchinson
Publication Year :
2009
Publisher :
American Institute of Physic, 2009.

Abstract

The classical problem of the interaction of a nonemitting spherical body with a zero mean-free-path continuum plasma is solved numerically in the full range of physically allowed free parameters (electron Debye length to body radius ratio, ion to electron temperature ratio, and body bias), and analytically in rigorously defined asymptotic regimes (weak and strong bias, weak and strong shielding, thin and thick sheath). Results include current-voltage characteristics as well as floating potential and capacitance, for both continuum and collisionless electrons. Our numerical computations show that for most combinations of physical parameters, there exists a closest asymptotic regime whose analytic solutions are accurate to 15% or better.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Ian Hutchinson
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....8b448637145e635324aeaf97f6d23d99