Surface electrostatic discharge of charged typical space materials induced by strong electromagnetic interference

Abstract

Surface charging of typical space materials such as polyimide and high density polyethylene may sometimes cause electrostatic discharge (ESD) under natural conditions. That is because polymer materials usually present lower surface discharge strength compared with their bulk breakdown strength, especially in vacuum. However, the space environment is very complicated, extremely hostile environments such as solar storms and magnetospheric substorms may happen and bring strong electromagnetic interference (EMI), which may induce ESD in spacecraft more easily and cause great damage to those spacecraft. In this paper, an innovative platform which can simulate the ESD of materials induced by strong EMI of microwave sources is set up. The influence of different factors such as power density, repetition frequency of microwave source, electromagnetic wave angle and distance between high voltage and ground electrode are researched. In addition, we perform particle-in-cell simulations to illustrate multipactor dynamics under the influence of strong electromagnetic waves. The induced discharging can be attributed to the electric field component of strong electromagnetic waves.

Enhanced direct‐current breakdown strength of Al2O3/epoxy resin composites through plasma fluoridation of fillers interface

“…The space charge inside the material was redistributed under DC electric field, leading to the local field distortion, which was harmful to the bulk insulation strength. [33][34][35] The space charge characteristics [36][37][38] of the samples were tested by the PEA method. During the test, the sample was polarized with a DC 10 kV/mm of electric field for 20 min.…”

Suppression of dielectric surface flashover induced by strong electromagnetic field at multiple spatial scales based on above/sub-surface discharge development mechanisms

“…To prevent interference from EMFs reflected by the metal, the entire apparatus was placed within a microwave anechoic room. A detailed description of the system can be found in the [23].…”

“…surface flashover) [20][21][22], which means that discharge along the dielectric surface, rather than a gap discharge, is the primary discharge form of spacecraft ESD induced by a strong EMF. In our prior work, the feasibility of surface discharge induced by strong EMF was explored, and the influence of various factors, including the power density and repetition frequency of the microwave source, electromagnetic wave angle, and electrode spacing on the EMF-induced surface discharge behaviors was investigated through experimentation and simulation [23]. We have preliminarily obtained the key factors governing the vacuum surface discharge induced by strong EMF and initially revealed the underlying induced discharge mechanism.…”

Resolution-Enhancing Structure for the Electric Field Microsensor Chip

“…Electrostatic voltage is a key parameter in industrial production lines, which quantitatively indicates the static charge in products. When it is exceeded, electrostatic discharge (ESD) most likely happens to cause direct breakdown or invisible inner damage [ 1 ]. Although ESD protection technologies have been taken into consideration in the circuit designs [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], in the preliminary stages of manufacturing, the fundamental elements are still under risks of ESD failure.…”