pyrfu.lp.thermal_current module#

pyrfu.lp.thermal_current.thermal_current(n: float, t: float, m: float, v: float, z: float, u: float | ndarray, a: float, p_type: str) → float | ndarray[source]#

Calculates the thermal probe current to/from a cylindrical or spherical body, e.g. a Langmuir probe or the a spherical (cylindrical) S/C.

Parameters:

  • n (float) – Number density [m^3].

  • t (float) – Temperature [K]

  • m (float) – Mass [kg].

  • z ({-1, 1}) – Charge

  • v (float) – Velocity of the body with respect to the plasma [m/s].

  • u (float or numpy.ndarray) – Body potential [V]

  • a (float) – Area of body [m^2].

  • p_type ({"sphere", "cylinder"}) – Probe type.

Returns:

j_thermal

Return type:

float or numpy.ndarray