Barrier device

Abstract

A barrier device (100) for protecting a space structure (V1) from cosmic radiation comprises a plurality of permanent magnets (1). The incident surface is defined as a plane orthogonal to the direction of incoming cosmic radiation, and the permanent magnets generate a magnetic field along the incident surface to deflect the cosmic radiation arriving from the direction.

Description

Barrier Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a barrier device for protecting a space structure from space radiation.

[0002] Space structures flying in outer space, such as space stations and artificial satellites, are exposed to cosmic radiation caused by solar flares and other factors. When the human body or electronic devices are exposed to cosmic radiation, the electronic devices installed in the space structures may malfunction. Furthermore, if workers are stationed on the space structures, the workers may be exposed to radiation.

[0003] In order to protect the human body and electronic devices from cosmic radiation, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a solenoid is installed around a space structure, a current is passed through the solenoid to generate a magnetic field, and the direction of the cosmic radiation is changed, thereby preventing the space structure from being irradiated with the cosmic radiation.

[0004] Valerio Calvelli, A Novel Configuration for Superconducting SpaceRadiation Shields, IEEE TRANSACTIONS, https: / / ieeexplore.ieee.org / document / 7792167

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 consumes a large amount of power to generate a magnetic field using a solenoid. Also, since heat is generated by passing a current through the solenoid, it is necessary to consider a heat dissipation structure.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a barrier device that protects a space structure from space radiation without consuming power.

[0007] A barrier device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a barrier device that protects a space structure from cosmic radiation, and includes a plurality of permanent magnets that set an incident plane that is perpendicular to the direction in which the cosmic radiation is coming from, and generate a magnetic field in a direction along the incident plane, thereby changing the course of the cosmic radiation that is coming from the direction in which it is coming from.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to protect a space structure from space radiation without consuming power.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the Lorentz force acting on charged particles entering a magnetic field. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of changing the direction of radiation by generating a magnetic field on a barrier surface. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a barrier device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic field generated on the barrier surface of the barrier device according to the first embodiment and the Lorentz force acting on radiation entering the barrier surface. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of radiation entering the barrier device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic field generated around the barrier surface and the Lorentz force acting on radiation entering from the inside and outside of the barrier surface. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of radiation entering the entire barrier surface. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing how a space structure is protected from radiation in a barrier region formed by the barrier device. FIG. 9A is a view of a barrier device according to a modified example of the first embodiment as viewed from the y direction. FIG. 9B is a view of a barrier device according to a modified example of the first embodiment as viewed from the x direction. FIG. 9C is a view of a barrier device according to a modified example of the first embodiment as viewed from the z direction. FIG. 9D is a view of a barrier device according to a modified example of the first embodiment, as viewed from u1-u2 shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a barrier device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic field generated on the barrier surface of the barrier device according to the second embodiment and the Lorentz force acting on radiation entering the barrier surface. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of radiation that has entered the entire barrier surface of the second embodiment. FIG. 13A is a view of a barrier device according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the z direction. FIG. 13B is a view of a barrier device according to the third embodiment, as viewed from the x direction. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic field generated on the barrier surface of the barrier device according to the third embodiment and the Lorentz force acting on radiation entering the barrier surface. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of radiation that has entered the entire barrier surface of the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view of a barrier device according to a modified example of the third embodiment, as viewed from the z direction. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a magnetic field generated on a barrier surface and the Lorentz force acting on radiation entering the barrier surface in a barrier device according to a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of a barrier device according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, when a charged particle m1, such as a proton, enters a space in which a magnetic field B1 is generated from the direction of arrow Y1, a Lorentz force F acts on the charged particle m1 in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field B1. In other words, the path of the charged particle m1 can be changed, for example, to the direction of arrow Y2.

[0011] 2 is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates how a space structure V1, such as an artificial satellite, is protected from cosmic radiation (hereinafter abbreviated as "radiation") by a barrier surface S1 formed by a barrier device. As shown in FIG. 2, the barrier surface S1 is formed by generating a magnetic field B1 around the space structure V1. The direction of radiation (e.g., protons) coming toward the space structure V1 from the z direction in the figure can be changed by the barrier surface S1. In other words, when radiation, which is a charged particle, is irradiated against the magnetic field B1 in outer space, the space structure V1 can be protected from the radiation.

[0012] 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a barrier device 100 according to a first embodiment. Hereinafter, the direction in which radiation travels toward a space structure V1 is defined as the z direction, and a plane perpendicular to the z direction (x-y plane) is defined as the incident plane on which radiation h1 is incident. The barrier device 100 according to this embodiment sets a barrier surface S1 parallel to the incident plane, thereby protecting space structures V1, such as space stations and artificial satellites, installed in a barrier region D1 formed in the z direction from radiation h1.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 3, the barrier device 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of elongated permanent magnets 1. The longitudinal direction of each permanent magnet 1 on the barrier surface S1 is defined as the x direction (first direction), and the direction perpendicular to the x direction is defined as the y direction (second direction intersecting the first direction). Fig. 3 shows an example in which the x direction and the y direction are perpendicular to each other. A plurality of permanent magnets 1 (three in Fig. 3) are installed facing the y direction. A plurality of permanent magnets 1 (eight in Fig. 3) are installed facing the z direction.

[0014] 3 shows one permanent magnet 1 in the x direction, but multiple permanent magnets may be installed. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 3, three permanent magnets are installed in the y direction and eight permanent magnets are installed in the z direction, but the number of permanent magnets is not limited to these.

[0015] The coordinate axes (x, y, z) shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the coordinates shown in FIG. 2. That is, the area on a plane (x-y plane) perpendicular to the z direction shown in FIG. 3 where the permanent magnets 1 are installed is defined as the barrier surface S1. A space structure V1 is present on the z direction side of the barrier device 100. Each permanent magnet 1 has the same south and north poles. As shown in FIG. 3, the area of ​​the permanent magnet 1 indicated by the symbol "n" is the north pole, and the area indicated by the symbol "s" is the south pole. That is, the +y direction side of each permanent magnet 1 is the north pole, and the -y direction side is the south pole.

[0016] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic fields formed by each permanent magnet 1 when the barrier surface S1 of the barrier device 100 shown in Fig. 3 is viewed from the z direction. As shown in Fig. 4, a magnetic field B3 (magnetic field B3 facing in the +y direction, upward in the figure) is formed on the barrier surface S1, oriented from the north pole "n" of the permanent magnet 1 at the bottom to the south pole "s" of the permanent magnet 1 at the top. Therefore, a magnetic field B2 facing in the -y direction (downward in the figure) is generated outside the barrier surface S1.

[0017] When radiation h1 enters the barrier surface S1 shown in Figures 3 and 4 from the z direction (a direction perpendicular to the barrier surface S1), a Lorentz force F1 acts on the radiation h1 due to the magnetic field B3, as shown in Figure 4. The direction in which the Lorentz force F1 acts differs depending on the polarity of the radiation h1.

[0018] 5 is an explanatory diagram of the path of radiation h1 entering through the barrier surface S1 of the barrier device 100, viewed from the y direction. As shown in FIG. 5, radiation h1 entering the barrier surface S1 from a direction (z direction) substantially perpendicular to the barrier surface S1 passes through the barrier device 100, which has multiple permanent magnets 1 installed thereon, and is subjected to Lorentz force, gradually changing its path toward the x direction (see Y3), and is then expelled to the outside of the barrier surface S1. As a result, a three-dimensional barrier region D1 is formed in the z direction of the barrier surface S1. If a space structure V1 is installed within the barrier region D1, it is possible to prevent radiation h1 from irradiating the space structure V1.

[0019] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the Lorentz force acting on radiation rays h2 and h3 entering the inside and outside of the barrier surface S1. As shown in FIG. 6, radiation h2 entering the inside of the barrier surface S1 is subjected to a Lorentz force F11 directed in the +x direction by a magnetic field B1a. This causes the radiation h2 to change course to the right in the figure. On the other hand, radiation h3 entering the outside of the barrier surface S1 is subjected to a Lorentz force F12 directed in the -x direction by a magnetic field B1b. This causes the radiation h3 to change course to the left in the figure.

[0020] 7 is an explanatory diagram, viewed from the y direction, showing how the paths of all radiation h4 entering through the barrier surface S1 of the barrier device 100 are changed. As shown in Fig. 7, the radiation h4 that has entered the barrier surface S1 is subjected to the Lorentz force by the inner magnetic field B1a shown in Fig. 6, and therefore its path is changed in the +x direction.

[0021] The radiation h4 then changes course and passes outside the barrier surface S4, so that the Lorentz force is now exerted by the external magnetic field B1b shown in FIG. 6. This causes the radiation h4 to change course in the -x direction. In other words, the radiation h4 returns to the barrier surface S1 side. Specifically, the radiation h4 passes through the regions indicated by the symbols Q1, Q2, and Q3 in FIG. 7. This radiation h4 then travels in the -x direction and is rejected by the barrier surface S1. Therefore, if the space structure V1 is installed in the barrier region D1 shown in FIG. 7, the space structure V1 can be protected from the radiation h4.

[0022] That is, by adjusting the length in the x direction of each permanent magnet 1 installed in the barrier device 100 shown in Fig. 3, the number of permanent magnets 1 installed in the y direction, and the number of permanent magnets 1 installed in the z direction, it is possible to set the barrier area D1 shown in Fig. 7 as appropriate. If the barrier area D1 is set according to the shape and size of the space structure V1 to be protected and the space structure V1 is placed within the barrier area D1, the space structure V1 can be protected from radiation h4. For example, if the barrier area D1 is set in the z direction of the barrier device 100 as shown in Fig. 8, the space structure V1 can be placed within this barrier area D1.

[0023] As described above, the barrier device 100 according to this embodiment is a barrier device 100 that protects the space structure V1 from radiation h4 (cosmic radiation), and is equipped with a plurality of permanent magnets 1 that set a plane (x-y plane) perpendicular to the direction in which the radiation h4 is coming (z direction) as the incident plane, and generate a magnetic field in a direction along the incident plane, thereby changing the course of the radiation h4 coming from the direction in which it is coming.

[0024] In this embodiment, a plurality of permanent magnets 1 are arranged three-dimensionally to generate a magnetic field, thereby changing the path of radiation entering through the barrier surface S1. This prevents radiation from entering a barrier region D1 set in the z direction of the barrier surface S1, and by placing a space structure V1 within the barrier region D1, the space structure V1 can be protected from radiation h4.

[0025] In this embodiment, there is no need to use a solenoid as in the conventional art, which eliminates the need for power consumption. Furthermore, since no solenoid is used, there is no need for a cooling structure.

[0026] In this embodiment, a magnetic field of required strength and direction can be generated in a required range by combining multiple permanent magnets 1. Therefore, by appropriately setting the number and positions of the permanent magnets 1, it is possible to appropriately respond even when the size of the space structure V1 or the direction of radiation changes.

[0027] [Description of Modification of First Embodiment] Next, a description will be given of a modification of the first embodiment. Figures 9A to 9D are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a barrier device 101 according to the modification, with Figure 9A showing a view from the y direction, Figure 9B showing a view from the x direction, Figure 9C showing a view from the z direction, and Figure 9D showing a view from u1 and u2 in Figure 9A (z direction).

[0028] 9A to 9C, the barrier device 101 according to the modified example includes three magnet groups 101a, 101b, and 101c. The magnet group 101a includes two permanent magnets 1 in the y direction and eight in the z direction, for a total of 16 permanent magnets 1. The magnet group 101b includes four permanent magnets 1 in the y direction and four in the z direction, for a total of 16 permanent magnets 1. The magnet group 101c includes two permanent magnets 1 in the y direction and four in the z direction, for a total of eight permanent magnets 1.

[0029] As a result, as shown in Figures 9C and 9D, a barrier surface S2 having a convex shape relative to the space structure V2 is formed. Specifically, the barrier surface S2 includes three regions S2a, S2b, and S2c. Region S2a is the region protected by magnet group 101a. Region S2b is the region protected by magnet group 101b. Region S2c is the region protected by magnet group 101c.

[0030] In the modified barrier device 101, by changing the shape of the barrier surface S2 and the number of permanent magnets 1 installed along the z direction according to the shape of the space structure V2 to be protected, it is possible to set an appropriate protection area according to the shape of the space structure V2 to be protected.

[0031] [Description of Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a barrier device 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the barrier device 200 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of permanent magnets 2 (2A, 2B). The letters "s" and "n" shown in Fig. 10 indicate the south pole and north pole of the permanent magnets 2, respectively. Each permanent magnet 2 is broadly divided into permanent magnets 2A whose north pole is in the +y direction and whose south pole is in the -y direction, and permanent magnets 2B whose south pole is in the +y direction and whose north pole is in the -y direction.

[0032] A plurality of permanent magnets 2 are installed in the y and z directions. Two permanent magnets 2A and 2B are installed in the x direction, separated by a boundary C. Specifically, a permanent magnet 2A with its north pole in the +y direction and its south pole in the -y direction and a permanent magnet 2B with its south pole in the +y direction and its north pole in the -y direction are installed on either side of the boundary C. Each permanent magnet 2 is configured by connecting two permanent magnets 2A and 2B, with their south and north poles reversed, at a predetermined boundary C in the x direction (first direction). The permanent magnets 2A and 2B may have different polarities and may have different shapes. The example shown in FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which three permanent magnets 2 (2A, 2B) are installed in the y direction and eight permanent magnets 2 in the z direction, but the number of permanent magnets is not limited to these.

[0033] As shown in Figure 10, each permanent magnet 2A, 2B has an elongated shape and extends in the x direction. As described above, the two permanent magnets 2A, 2B are installed facing the x direction, and the south and north poles of the two permanent magnets 2A, 2B are reversed at the central boundary C. A space structure V1 exists in the barrier region D1. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the barrier device 100 shown in Figure 3.

[0034] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic field generated by the barrier device 200 shown in FIG. 10 , as viewed from the z direction in FIG. 10 . In the barrier device 200, the north and south poles are reversed at the boundary C between the permanent magnets 2A and 2B. Therefore, a magnetic field B11 is generated in the region of the permanent magnet 2A located on the +x side of the boundary C (to the right in the figure) shown in FIG. 11 . A magnetic field B12 is generated in the region of the permanent magnet 2B located on the −x side of the boundary C (to the left in the figure). Therefore, a Lorentz force F21 directed in the −x direction acts on radiation entering the barrier surface S3 at point P1 on the −x side of the boundary C in FIG. 11 . On the other hand, a Lorentz force F22 directed in the +x direction acts on radiation entering the barrier surface S3 at point P2 on the +x side of the boundary C.

[0035] That is, on the barrier surface S3 shown in FIG. 10, radiation entering an area on the +x side of the boundary C changes its course toward the +x side, and radiation entering an area on the −x side of the boundary C changes its course toward the −x side.

[0036] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram, viewed from the y direction, showing how the paths of all radiation h7 entering through the barrier surface S3 of the barrier device 200 are changed. As shown in Figure 12, the radiation h7 that enters the barrier surface S3 is expelled to the outside of the barrier surface S3, as indicated by symbols Q11 and Q12, by the action of the Lorentz forces F21 and F22 shown in Figure 11. As a result, a three-dimensional barrier region D1 is formed in the z direction of the barrier surface S3. If a space structure is installed within the barrier region D1, it is possible to prevent the space structure from being irradiated with radiation h7.

[0037] As described above, in the barrier device 200 according to the second embodiment, two permanent magnets 2A and 2B, whose north and south poles are reversed, are connected and installed facing in the x direction. Furthermore, multiple pairs of permanent magnets 2A and 2B are installed facing in the y and z directions. Therefore, because the north and south poles are reversed at the boundary C, radiation h7 entering from the barrier surface S3 can be efficiently expelled to the outside of the barrier surface S3, making it possible to more reliably protect the space structure from radiation.

[0038] [Description of Third Embodiment] Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment. Figures 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a barrier device 300 according to the third embodiment, where Figure 13A shows a view from the z direction (the direction in which radiation enters) and Figure 13B shows a view from the x direction.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 13A , the barrier device 300 includes two permanent magnets 3aA and 3aB, each elongated in the x direction and connected at its end points, and six permanent magnets 3b, each extending radially at approximately 45-degree intervals from the connection point between the permanent magnets 3aA and 3aB. That is, a center point (the connection point) is set at an arbitrary position on the incident surface, and the permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, and 3b are arranged radially outward from the center point. Furthermore, each permanent magnet 3aA, 3aB, and 3b is arranged so that its south pole and north pole face in the same circumferential direction around the center point. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13B , multiple permanent magnets 3aA and 3aB (four in the figure) are arranged in the z direction, and multiple permanent magnets 3b (four in the figure) are arranged in the z direction. The number of magnets in the z direction is not limited to four.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 13A, the two permanent magnets 3aA and 3aB each extend in the x direction, with the south pole and north pole reversed at the boundary C. The area surrounded by the permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, and 3b shown in Fig. 13A is a barrier surface S4.

[0041] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic field generated by the barrier device 300 shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B. When viewed from the z direction, the barrier device 300 has multiple permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, and 3b arranged radially, and therefore generates a spiral magnetic field B21 as shown in Fig. 14.

[0042] For this reason, a Lorentz force acts on radiation h8 entering the barrier surface S4 (see FIG. 13A) from the z direction in an outward direction relative to the center of the barrier surface S4. Specifically, a Lorentz force F31 acts on radiation h8 that enters the barrier surface S4 at point P11 shown in FIG. 14, a Lorentz force F32 acts on radiation h8 that enters the barrier surface S4 at point P12, and a Lorentz force F33 acts on radiation h8 that enters the barrier surface S4 at point P13. In other words, the radiation h8 entering through the barrier surface S4 is changed course toward the outside of the barrier surface S4.

[0043] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram, viewed from the y direction, showing how the paths of all radiation h8 entering through the barrier surface S4 of the barrier device 300 are changed. As shown in Figure 15, the radiation h8 that enters the barrier surface S4 is expelled to the outside of the barrier surface S4, as indicated by symbols Q21 and Q22, by the action of the Lorentz forces F31 to F33 shown in Figure 14. As a result, a three-dimensional barrier region D1 is formed in the z direction of the barrier surface S4. If a space structure is installed within the barrier region D1, it is possible to prevent the space structure from being irradiated with radiation h8.

[0044] In this way, in the barrier device 300 according to the third embodiment, the multiple permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, 3b are radially arranged on a plane (x-y plane) perpendicular to the direction of entry of the radiation h8 (z direction), so that a spiral magnetic field can be generated on the barrier surface S4. This makes it possible to apply an outward Lorentz force to the radiation h8 entering the barrier surface S4, making it possible to more effectively remove the radiation h8 to the outside of the barrier surface S4.

[0045] [Description of Modification of Third Embodiment] Next, a description will be given of a modification of the barrier device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 16 is a view of a barrier device 301 according to the modification, viewed from the z direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 16 , the barrier device 301 has an elongated shape facing the x direction. It includes two permanent magnets 3aA and 3aB whose end points are connected, and six permanent magnets 3b that radiate from near the connection point between the permanent magnets 3aA and 3aB at approximately 45-degree intervals. Furthermore, eight permanent magnets 3c are radially disposed between the permanent magnets 3aA and 3aB and the permanent magnets 3b. That is, the permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, 3b, and 3c are radially disposed at approximately 22.5-degree intervals. The area surrounded by the 15 permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, 3b, and 3c shown in FIG. 16 constitutes a barrier surface S5. As with the barrier device 300 according to the third embodiment, the barrier device 301 according to the modified example also includes multiple permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, 3b, and 3c disposed in the z direction.

[0047] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic field generated by the barrier device 301 shown in Fig. 16. When viewed from the z direction, the barrier device 301 has multiple permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, 3b, and 3c arranged radially, and therefore generates a spiral magnetic field B31 as shown in Fig. 17. This magnetic field B31 is stronger than the magnetic field B21 shown in Fig. 14 near the outer edge of the barrier surface S5.

[0048] For this reason, a Lorentz force acts outward on radiation entering the barrier surface S5 from the z direction with respect to the center of the barrier surface S5. Specifically, an outward Lorentz force F41 acts on radiation that enters the barrier surface S5 at point P21 shown in Figure 17.

[0049] As described above, in the barrier device 301 according to the modified example, similarly to the third embodiment described above, the multiple permanent magnets 3aA, 3aB, 3b, and 3c are arranged radially in a plane (x-y plane) perpendicular to the radiation entrance direction (z direction), so that a spiral magnetic field can be generated at the barrier surface S5. This makes it possible to apply an outward Lorentz force to the radiation entering the barrier surface S5, making it possible to more effectively remove the radiation to the outside of the barrier surface S5.

[0050] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] 1, 2, 2A, 2B, 3aA, 3aB, 3b, 3c Permanent magnet 100, 101, 200, 300, 301 Barrier device D1 Barrier area S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 Barrier surface V1, V2 Space structure

Claims

1. A barrier device for protecting a space structure from cosmic radiation, which has an incident plane that is perpendicular to the direction in which the cosmic radiation is coming from, and is equipped with a plurality of permanent magnets that generate a magnetic field in a direction along the incident plane, thereby changing the course of the cosmic radiation coming from the direction in which it is coming from.

2. A barrier device as described in claim 1, wherein each permanent magnet has an elongated shape facing a first direction on the incident surface, and a plurality of permanent magnets are installed facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each permanent magnet is installed so that its south pole and north pole face the second direction.

3. A barrier device according to claim 2, wherein each permanent magnet is configured by connecting two permanent magnets whose south and north poles are reversed at a predetermined boundary in the first direction.

4. A barrier device as described in claim 1, wherein a center point is set at any position on the entrance surface, each permanent magnet has an elongated shape and is installed radially outward from the center point, and each permanent magnet is installed so that its south pole and north pole face in the same circumferential direction centered on the center point.

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