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Validation of NASCAP-2K Spacecraft-Environment Interactions CalculationsThe recently released Nascap-2k, version 2.0, three-dimensional computer code models interactions between spacecraft surfaces and low-earth-orbit, geosynchronous, auroral, and interplanetary plasma environments. It replaces the earlier three-dimensional spacecraft interactions codes NASCAP/GEO, NASCAP/LEO, POLAR, and DynaPAC. Nascap-2k has improved numeric techniques, a modern user interface, and a simple, interactive satellite surface definition module (Object ToolKit). We establish the accuracy of Nascap-2k both by comparing computed currents and potentials with analytic results and by comparing Nascap-2k results with published calculations using the earlier codes. Nascap-2k predicts Langmuir-Blodgett or Parker-Murphy current collection for a nearly spherical (100 surfaces) satellite in a short Debye length plasma depending on the absence or presence of a magnetic field. A low fidelity (in geometry and time) Nascap-2k geosynchronous charging calculation gives the same results as the corresponding low fidelity NASCAP/GEO calculation. A high fidelity calculation (using the Nascap-2k improved geometry and time stepping capabilities) gives higher potentials, which are more consistent with typical observations. Nascap-2k predicts the same current as a function of applied potential as was observed and calculated by NASCAP/LEO for the SPEAR I rocket with a bipolar sheath. A Nascap-2k DMSP charging calculation gives results similar to those obtained using POLAR and consistent with observation.
Document ID
20040111077
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Davis, V. A. (Science Applications International Corp. San Diego, CA, United States)
Mandell, M. J. (Science Applications International Corp. San Diego, CA, United States)
Gardner, B. M. (Science Applications International Corp. San Diego, CA, United States)
Mikellides, I. G. (Science Applications International Corp. San Diego, CA, United States)
Neergaard, L. F. (Jacobs Sverdrup Technology, Inc. United States)
Cooke, D. L. (Air Force Research Lab. United States)
Minor, J. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: 8th Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference
Subject Category
Computer Programming And Software
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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