@inproceedings{a3c70097f994467c87fe73b4986c53ed,
title = "Numerical modeling of plasma-surface interactions in space vacuum",
abstract = "The parasitic current on solar panel surfaces are a major reason for the power loss in a solar array circuit. Previous work shows a non-linear growth of parasitic current with interconnect potential, also known as {\textquoteleft}snapover{\textquoteright} which is caused by the secondary electron emission from the dielectric surface adjacent to the interconnect. In this paper we simulate the non-linear increase in current with interconnect potential on a domain size on the scale of plasma sheath thickness and show the kinetic details of the electrons near the interconnect-dielectric surface in a low earth orbit ambient plasma environment. We also identify the key physical aspects which govern the parasitic current from an exposed interconnect-dielectric junction for a dielectric material of MgF2 which is commonly used on spacecraft solar panel surfaces.",
author = "Nakul Nuwal and Levin, {Deborah A.}",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2020, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA. All rights reserved.; AIAA Scitech Forum, 2020 ; Conference date: 06-01-2020 Through 10-01-2020",
year = "2020",
doi = "10.2514/6.2020-2153",
language = "English (US)",
isbn = "9781624105951",
series = "AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum",
publisher = "American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA",
pages = "1--13",
booktitle = "AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum",
}