Effect of Dielectric Offset and Electrode-Dielectric Bonding Anomalies on the Insulation Properties of Conductive Slip Rings

Conductive slip rings (CSR) serve as essential components for power transfer in solar sail systems. However, defects within the multi-carrier ring or multi-dielectric layer structures can compromise the insulation properties of the solid-vacuum interface, leading to frequent in-orbit spacecraft failures caused by insulation damage. In order to analyze the impact on the surface insulation properties, this study constructs a three-layer CSR model based on a real CSR structure comprising electrode-medium-electrode, and investigates its DC flashover voltage under varying conditions of dielectric layer offset. Furthermore, the quantitative assessment of the effects of CSR dielectric layer offset and electrode-dielectric bonding anomalies on surface insulation properties is conducted, and the flashover initiation location is determined in the presence of defects. The experimental results are interpreted and verified through finite element electric field simulations. This paper serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the insulation degradation process of solar sail drive mechanisms and the safety protection of CSR insulation.