Hybrid simulations of mini-magnetospheres in the laboratory

TL;DR

This paper uses hybrid particle-in-cell simulations to study mini-magnetospheres created in laboratory conditions, providing insights into their formation and characteristics for space protection applications.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed simulation approach to analyze mini-magnetospheres, validating results against theoretical models under various plasma conditions.

Findings

Mini-magnetospheres form under laboratory conditions.

Features depend on plasma density, flow velocity, and dipole field strength.

Good agreement with theoretical models at high plasma pressures.

Abstract

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.