Computer Simulation of the Periodic Electrostatic Focusing Converter

A computer study was made of the various physical processes that take place in the periodic electrostatic focusing, direct energy converter. Computer simulation techniques are described and the results are presented. The effect that space charge, secondary electrons, beam size, charge exchange, and ionization have on conversion efficiency is examined. The results are applied to the design of a reactor. Finally, future plans for studies of direct converters are discussed.