Optimal Design of Electrostatic Probe via Finite Element Method and Experimental Investigation

Thermal contact resistance (TCR) at the interface of different materials has been systematically investigated with a effective analytical method and appropriate values of TCR are obtained by theoretical calculation with measured parameters. In this paper, a novel optimal design used to decrease TCR in model via increasing the conical degree of AL2O3 ceramic barrel is developed, results indicated the heat transfer capability of Langmuir Probe (LP) can be improved by using this configuration. Numerical simulation of transient-state thermal analysis by ANSYS and experimental investigation have been used to evaluate the thermal state of LP under different analytical conditions, comparison of simulated results with the top-middle part of LP prepared by Pyrolytic Graphite and Carbon Fiber Composite are presented and an explanation of temperature variation based on the changes of the simulated results with the top part of LP designed by different sizes are demonstrated. Many constructive suggestions have been brought forward to define the best suited material, structures and other characteristics in order to produce the type of LP with high performance and practicability.