MOMENT METHOD ANALYSIS OF METALLIC CYLINDER AND TRUNCATED CONE USED IN ORBITAL SATELLITES

The paper presents an analysis for the evaluation of capacitance and c harge distribution of metallic cylinder and truncated cone of finite l ength and isolated in free space using moment method formulation emplo ying pulse and delta functions as basic function and testing function, respectively. The elements of the matrix to be inverted in the proces s of application of the moment method are found by dividing the struct ure into sections of equal axial length which are further subdivided i nto curvilinear rectangles along the circumferential direction of each cylindrical section. The curvilinear rectangles are finally approxima ted by planar rectangles. Expression for the capacitance and charge di stribution is derived in terms of the elements of the inverted matrix. Modification of capacitance due to top and bottom flat surfaces is ev aluated. Numerical data on these parameters are presented.