Continuous Characteristics of Secondary Arc for Solar Array

WANG Zhihao; LIU Yenan; NIE Xiangyu; WANG Sizhan; YANG Xiaoyi; WANG Jinghu; LIU Yuming; XU Yanlin; DU Jiayu; GUO Jiali

doi:10.7643/ issn.1672-9242.2026.01.009

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Equipment Environmental Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (1) : 74-81. DOI: 10.7643/ issn.1672-9242.2026.01.009

Aviation and Aerospace Equipment

Continuous Characteristics of Secondary Arc for Solar Array

WANG Zhihao^1,2, LIU Yenan^1,2, NIE Xiangyu¹, WANG Sizhan¹, YANG Xiaoyi¹, WANG Jinghu¹, LIU Yuming^1,2, XU Yanlin^1,2, DU Jiayu¹, GUO Jiali¹

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Abstract

The work aims to analyze and summarize the continuous characteristics and patterns of secondary arc for solar arrays. Based on the matching relationship between charge carriers and arc current, the mechanism of secondary arc occurrence was defined. By comparing and analyzing plasma density and arc current, analysis methods for secondary arc triggering, maintenance, and termination, as well as a steady-state analysis model for secondary arc, were proposed. The self-sustaining cathode ablation plasma was the key to maintaining the secondary arc for a long time. The range of string current required for sustained arc discharge in rigid solar arrays was about 1~2 A. Based on the analysis model, the relationship between the duration of the secondary arc and the ablation rate was given. The analysis methods, ideas, and models described in this work provide reference for the design improvement and discharge protection of space arrays from the perspective of discharge duration.

Key words

solar array / electrostatic discharge / plasma / secondary arc / discharging mechanism / analysis model

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WANG Zhihao, LIU Yenan, NIE Xiangyu, WANG Sizhan, YANG Xiaoyi, WANG Jinghu, LIU Yuming, XU Yanlin, DU Jiayu, GUO Jiali. Continuous Characteristics of Secondary Arc for Solar Array[J]. Equipment Environmental Engineering. 2026, 23(1): 74-81 https://doi.org/10.7643/ issn.1672-9242.2026.01.009

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