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Electron collection theory for a D-region subsonic blunt electrostatic probeBlunt probe theory for subsonic flow in a weakly ionized and collisional gas is reviewed, and an electron collection theory for the relatively unexplored case, Deybye length approximately 1, which occurs in the lower ionosphere (D-region), is developed. It is found that the dimensionless Debye length is no longer an electric field screening parameter, and the space charge field effect can be negelected. For ion collection, Hoult-Sonin theory is recognized as a correct description of the thin, ion density-perturbed layer adjacent the blunt probe surface. The large volume with electron density perturbed by a positively biased probe renders the usual thin boundary layer analysis inapplicable. Theories relating free stream conditions to the electron collection rate for both stationary and moving blunt probes are obtained. A model based on experimental nonlinear electron drift velocity data is proposed. For a subsonically moving probe, it is found that the perturbed region can be divided into four regions with distinct collection mechanisms.
Document ID
19740018761
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Wai-Kwong Lai, T. (Pennsylvania State Univ. University Park, PA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
May 20, 1974
Subject Category
Geophysics
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-138518
PSU-IRL-SCI-424
Accession Number
74N26874
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-39-009-218
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-39-009-003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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