Leakage Current of Grounded Dielectrics in Electron Radiation as a Diagnostic Method to Evaluate the Deep Charging Hazards in Space

Deep dielectric charging, which is a coupling process of charge deposition and charge relief, is a significant factor in spacecraft anomalies and failures. With the aim of developing a method for evaluating the deep dielectric charging hazards, this study investigated the leakage current and charging electric field of grounded dielectrics in space usage by a method combining Monte Carlo simulation and a model of radiation-induced conductivity. The analysis adopts multiple cases of electron spectra and various thicknesses of the shielding layer and dielectric. The analysis results show that the leakage current, which can be easily measured, is strongly related to the charging electric field in various situations. Therefore, monitoring the leakage current can be a more effective approach for evaluating deep dielectric charging hazards than monitoring electron flux.