BGK contamination model of the MSX satellite and comparison with Monte-Carlo simulation data

Paul T. Ma; Loren C. Zumwalt; Francis C. Wang; Shirley C. Yfantis

doi:10.1117/12.140735

18 December 1992 BGK contamination model of the MSX satellite and comparison with Monte-Carlo simulation data

Paul T. Ma, Loren C. Zumwalt, Francis C. Wang, Shirley C. Yfantis

Proceedings Volume 1754, Optical System Contamination: Effects, Measurement, Control III; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140735
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) solution technique was used to predict molecular return flux from surface outgassing of the Mid-Course Space Experiment (MSX) spacecraft. The BGK predictions were compared to those from a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) study. While the DSMC solution technique provides a rigorous numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation, it requires substantially more model development time and computer resources. Conversely, the BGK method yields an approximate solution to the Boltzmann equation but is simpler to use and numerical solutions can be rapidly obtained. A comparison of the two solutions, based on MSX spacecraft's near-free-molecular contamination environment, shows that the BGK predictions are within the statistical uncertainties of the DSMC results. This favorable comparison indicates that the BGK technique for modeling return flux to the MSX spacecraft is sufficiently accurate and cost effective.

Citation Download Citation

Paul T. Ma, Loren C. Zumwalt, Francis C. Wang, and Shirley C. Yfantis "BGK contamination model of the MSX satellite and comparison with Monte-Carlo simulation data", Proc. SPIE 1754, Optical System Contamination: Effects, Measurement, Control III, (18 December 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140735

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