E-beam propagation and interaction with atmosphere

Sanmartín Losada, Juan Ramón and Elaskar, Sergio (2004). E-beam propagation and interaction with atmosphere. "Mecánica computacional", v. XXIII ; pp. 2593-2610. ISSN 1666-6070.

Description

Title: E-beam propagation and interaction with atmosphere
Author/s:
  • Sanmartín Losada, Juan Ramón
  • Elaskar, Sergio
Item Type: Article
Título de Revista/Publicación: Mecánica computacional
Date: 2004
ISSN: 1666-6070
Volume: XXIII
Subjects:
Faculty: E.T.S.I. Aeronáuticos (UPM)
Department: Física Aplicada a la Ingeniería Aeronáutica [hasta 2014]
Creative Commons Licenses: Recognition - No derivative works - Non commercial

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Abstract

This study purports to investigate whether a conductive tether left uninsulated and electrically floating in LEO could serve as an effective e-beam source to produce artificial auroras. An electrically floating tether comes out biased highly negative over most of its length. Ambient ions impacting it with KeV energies liberate secondary electrons, which are locally accelerated through the 2D tether voltage-bias, race down magnetic lines, and result in peak auroral emissions at about 120-160 km altitude. Since no current flows at either tether end, a bare-tether e-beam is fully free of spacecraft charging problems. Beam propagation and beam-atmosphere interactions need be modelled in a simple but quantitative way so as to allow a satisfactory discussion of observational options and their feasibility. The evolution in the energy spectrum of secondary electrons, their pitch distribution, and beam broadening due to collisions with neutrals, which would result in a broader but weaker tether footprint in the E-layer, need be modelled. Relations between particle/energy flux values, and ionization and accompanying emission rates, are considered.

More information

Item ID: 21670
DC Identifier: https://oa.upm.es/21670/
OAI Identifier: oai:oa.upm.es:21670
Deposited by: Biblioteca ETSI Aeronauticos
Deposited on: 21 Nov 2013 15:56
Last Modified: 20 Feb 2023 07:25
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