The interaction of a flowing plasma with a dipole magnetic field: measurements and modelling of a diamagnetic cavity relevant to spacecraft protection

Bamford, R. and Gibson, K.J. and Thornton, A.J. and Bradford, J. and Bingham, R. and Gargate, L. and Silva, L.O. and Fonseca, R.A. (2008) The interaction of a flowing plasma with a dipole magnetic field: measurements and modelling of a diamagnetic cavity relevant to spacecraft protection. Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 50 (12). p. 124025. ISSN 0741-3335 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0741-3335/50/12/124025)

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Abstract

Here we describe a new experiment to test the shielding concept of a dipole-like magnetic field and plasma, surrounding a spacecraft forming a 'mini magnetosphere'. Initial laboratory experiments have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of a magnetized plasma barrier to be able to expel an impacting, low beta, supersonic flowing energetic plasma representing the solar wind. Optical and Langmuir probe data of the plasma density, the plasma flow velocity and the intensity of the dipole field clearly show the creation of a narrow transport barrier region and diamagnetic cavity virtually devoid of energetic plasma particles. This demonstrates the potential viability of being able to create a small 'hole' in a solar wind plasma, of the order of the ion Larmor orbit width, in which an inhabited spacecraft could reside in relative safety. The experimental results have been quantitatively compared with a 3D particle-in-cell 'hybrid' code simulation that uses kinetic ions and fluid electrons, showing good qualitative agreement and excellent quantitative agreement. Together the results demonstrate the pivotal role of particle kinetics in determining generic plasma transport barriers.

ORCID iDs

Bamford, R., Gibson, K.J., Thornton, A.J., Bradford, J., Bingham, R. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9843-7635, Gargate, L., Silva, L.O. and Fonseca, R.A.;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:19427
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    December 2008
    Published
    Notes:Strathprints' policy is to record up to 8 authors per publication, plus any additional authors based at the University of Strathclyde. More authors may be listed on the official publication than appear in the Strathprints' record.
    Subjects:Science > Physics > Plasma physics. Ionized gases
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Strathprints Administrator
    Date deposited:20 May 2010 13:26
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 09:23
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/19427
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