Title :
ESA´s tools for internal charging
Author :
Sorensen, John ; Rodgers, D.J. ; Ryden, K.A. ; Latham, P.M. ; Wrenn, G.L. ; Levy, L. ; Panabiere, G.
Author_Institution :
ESA, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Abstract :
Electrostatic discharges, caused by bulk charging of spacecraft insulating materials, are a major cause of satellite anomalies. A quantitative knowledge of the charge build-up is essential in order to eliminate these problems in the design stage. This is a presentation of ESA´s tools to assess whether a given structure is liable to experience electrostatic discharges or not. A study has been made of the physical phenomenon, and an engineering specification has been created to be used to assess a structure for potential discharge problems. The specification has been implemented in new software, DICTAT. The implementation of tests in dedicated facilities is an important part of the specification, and tests have been performed to validate the new tool
Keywords :
artificial satellites; electrostatic discharge; spacecraft charging; DICTAT; bulk charging; charge build-up; dedicated facilities; electrostatic discharges; engineering specification; internal charging; spacecraft insulating materials; Aircraft manufacture; Conducting materials; Conductivity; Dielectrics; Electrons; Electrostatic discharge; Insulation; Satellites; Space charge; Testing;
Conference_Titel :
Radiation and Its Effects on Components and Systems, 1999. RADECS 99. 1999 Fifth European Conference on
Conference_Location :
Fontevraud
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-5726-4
DOI :
10.1109/RADECS.1999.858540
