SOME THETA PINCH EXPERIMENTS
Abstract
The theta pinch was studied in an apparatus which generates a 10,000-gauss magnetic field parallel to the axis f a cylindrical pinch tube. The field rises to full value in about 1.5 micro seconds and remains virtually constant for 7 micro seconds. The compression of a strongly pre-ionized deuterium plasma by the applied field and the subsequent radial oscillations of the plasma column were observed by means of magnetic probes, streak photography, and Kerr cell photography. Outward radial streaming of the plasma is observed in a configuration suggesting the flute instability. Axial streaming of the plasma out the ends of the drive strap is also detected. The radial oscillation frequency and the time of arrival of the incoming plasma surface at a prescribed radius are compared with predicted values based on phenomenological theories. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 18, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0265829
Entities
People
- Mitchell H. Dazey
- Stanley L. Leonard
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation