Structure of propagating arc in a magneto-hydrodynamic rail plasma actuator
Abstract
The spatio-temporal evolution of a magnetically driven arc in a rail plasma flow actuator has been characterized with high-speed imaging, electrical measurements, and spectroscopy. The arc draws a peak current of ~1 kA. High-speed framing cameras were used to observe the complex arc propagation phenomenon. In particular, the anode and cathode roots were observed to have different modes of transit, which resulted in distinct types of electrode degradation on the anode and cathode surfaces. Observations of the arc electrical properties and induced magnetic fields are used to explain the transit mechanism of the arc. Emission spectroscopy revealed the arc temperature and species composition as a function of transit distance of the arc. The results obtained offer significant insights into the electromagnetic properties of the arc-rail system as well as arc-surface interaction phenomena in a propagating arc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 18, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1088/0022-3727/49/1/015202
Entities
People
- Jayant Sirohi
- Laxminarayan L. Raja
- Miles Gray
- Young-joon Choi
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory