Analysis of the voltage drop arising from a collision-dominated sheath
Abstract
Voltage drops associated with the collisional sheath of nonemitting, MHD electrodes are investigated. The problem is described by a set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations which are solved by finite differencing in a computer. The sheath and ambipolar regions form in a self-consistent way obviating the need to match boundaries. A two-dimensional model with periodic active sites on a flat plate is used. The current constricts at these sites in order to satisfy the controlling equations for frozen charge flow. The effects of a magnetic field as well as of Joule heating are included in the model; convection can be shown to be negligible in the sheath. Joule heating is assumed to have no effect on the bulk temperature of the gas. Changes in the current-voltage characteristics due to Joule heating are small since the effect is extremely localized; the presence of a magnetic field has a slight influence on the size of the sheath but alters noticeably the current-voltage characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Source ID
- 10.1063/1.322603
Entities
People
- O. Biblarz
- R. C. Dolson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School