Surface discharge arc propagation and damage on spacecraft dielectrics
Abstract
The propagation of a surface discharge arc or flash over on dielectrics such as Mylar, Teflon, and Kapton is reported. A propagation mechanism is discussed, in which the progress of the surface arc is controlled by the rate of removal of excess charge along filamentary tunnels filled with an overdense plasma of ionized discharge debris. Supporting evidence is drawn from area scanning measurements of discharge electrical properties, and from microscope photographs of permanent damage in the form of submicron diameter subsurface tunnels and surface grooves.
- Publication:
-
Space Mathematics for the Preparation and the Development of Satellite Exploitations
- Pub Date:
- December 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979smse.rept..209B
- Keywords:
-
- Arc Discharges;
- Dielectric Properties;
- Spacecraft Charging;
- European Space Programs;
- Kapton (Trademark);
- Mylar (Trademark);
- Propagation Modes;
- Spacecraft Construction Materials;
- Teflon (Trademark);
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering