Doctoral Dissertations
Abstract
"By considering the mechanics of an electron projected into an arbitrary potential field together with Poisson's equation it is possible to set up a differential equation for the electrostatic potential. The equation may be integrated and the photoelectron density found as a function of height for four approximate models. A simple model based upon monoenergetic photons and monoenergetic electrons ejected vertically upward yields rough estimates of the parameters of interest. Another model takes into account the fact that the photoelectrons are ejected at all angles. A general model takes into account the illumination of the lunar surface by solar (black body) radiation and also the distribution in energy of the electrons ejected for each photon energy. An adiabatic gas model of the photoelectron atmosphere provides an independent check of the results.
Assuming a metalic [sic] surface the electron density is of the order of 104 electrons/cm3 at a half-height of the order of 1.5 cm above the lunar surface. The charge distribution produces an electrostatic force field capable of levitating particles of the order of 10-14 gm"--Abstract, page iii.
Advisor(s)
Wesley, James Paul
Department(s)
Physics
Degree Name
Ph. D. in Physics
Sponsor(s)
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Publisher
University of Missouri at Rolla
Publication Date
1966
Pagination
viii, 86 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 83-85).
Rights
© 1966 Hal Emerson McCloud, Jr., All rights reserved.
Document Type
Dissertation - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Subject Headings
Moon -- AtmospherePoisson's equation -- Numerical solutions
Thesis Number
T 1952
Print OCLC #
5977949
Electronic OCLC #
910340433
Recommended Citation
McCloud, Hal Emerson Jr., "Theory of the lunar photoelectron atmosphere" (1966). Doctoral Dissertations. 441.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/doctoral_dissertations/441
Comments
J.P. Wesley, Dissertation Supervisor
This work was supported under a Research Fellowship during the period from June 1965 to February 1966 by the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (grant NGR 26 004 014) and during the period from February 1966 to June 1966 under a Research Assistantship granted by the University of Missouri at Rolla.