SPIS Circuit Solver Details

SPIS
#1

Hello,
I am looking for more information regarding the circuit solver SPIS is using. Also, from what I can tell, is it necessary that the spacecraft ground node (elecNode -00) be directly exposed to the plasma by a conductive surface element? i.e. there can be no dielectric surface entirely covering a spacecraft

Thanks
-Tyler

#2

Hello,
it is not necessary since at least V6.1 (I think it was already corrected in SPIS v6.0.4)

Best Regards,
Sébastien

#3

Thanks Sébastien,

Regarding a simulation where the spacecraft is completely dielectric, could you explain what the significance of the ground node is? In other words, what is the function of the elecNode -00 if it’s surface material property is entirely dielectric?

Is the potential on the node different from each individual surface node? Is it simply an average potential of all the surface nodes, or does it affect the charging process of these nodes? Is there a physical analogy that can be made with regard to this circuit to help me understand what is happening here?

Could I expect a dielectric surface to float at a lower absolute potential compared to a purely conductive surface, all else being held constant?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks,
-Tyler