Flash-over propagation simulation upon spacecrafts solar panels

A plasma expansion model is developed. It is used to compute flash-over propagation upon spacecraft solar panels. In order to take into consideration the plasma extinction, a cathode spot model is developed and coupled to a plasma expansion model. A minimum on the sheath potential has been found, and it explains the end of plasma emission by the cathode and, therefore, the end of the plasma expansion. Numerical results are compared with experimental measurements and are in good agreement with them. The model can be later used to prevent arcing on spacecrafts solar panels. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

A plasma expansion model was developed to study flash-over propagation on spacecraft solar panels, considering plasma extinction effects. A minimum on the sheath potential was found, explaining the end of plasma emission by the cathode and the end of plasma expansion. Numerical results showed good agreement with experimental measurements, and the model has potential applications in preventing arcing on spacecrafts solar panels.