Hybrid simulations of mini-magnetospheres in the laboratory
2008
Solar energetic ions are a known hazard to both spacecraft electronics and to manned space flights in interplanetary space missions that extend over a long period of time. A dipole-like magnetic field and a plasma source, forming a mini-magnetosphere, are being tested in the laboratory as means of protection against such hazards. We investigate, via particle-in-cell hybrid simulations, using kinetic ions and fluid electrons, the characteristics of the mini-magnetospheres. Our results, for parameters identical to the experimental conditions, reveal the formation of a mini-magnetosphere, whose features are scanned with respect to the plasma density, the plasma flow velocity and the intensity of the dipole field. Comparisons with a simplified theoretical model reveal a good qualitative agreement and excellent quantitative agreement for higher plasma dynamic pressures and lower B-fields.
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