The Development of a Gerdien Condenser for Sounding Rockets

Abstract

Measurements of D-region conductivity are of extreme importance for underatanding the basic, normal atmospheric processes as well as for investigating special events associated with the D-region, i.e., auroral absorptions, polar cap absorptions (PCA) and sudden ionospheric disturbances (SID). This report discusses the theory and possibilities of adapting one type of conductivity probe, the Gerdien condenser for operation on sounding rockets at supersonic and subsonic velocities.Details are presented for two systems developed for making correlating measurements during simultaneous rocket flights. The first is designed for the Black Brant II rocket (supersonic flow); and the second, employing a parachute system, is designed for the Arcas rocket (subsonic flow).

Characterization of Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas by a Gerdien Condenser

“…One diagnostic method has been widely used in the stratosphere region for determining ions employing a Gerauthor's e-mail: euo1309@mail4.doshisha.ac.jp * ) This article is based on the presentation at the 25th International Toki Conference (ITC25). dien condenser [5][6][7][8][9]. A Gerdien condenser can determine ion density with the mobility, thus ion species composition of plasma.…”

“…The current-voltage (I − V) characteristic is linear until the voltage V s reaches the value at which all of the positive ions are collected by the inner electrode. The slope of the linear region determines the ion mobility μ k , hence the ion species present in the plasma [8]. In practice, ambient air is a multiple-ion component gas.…”