ENERGY EXCHANGE IN THE HIGH-INTENSITY ARC PLASMA
Abstract
Arc phenomena are discussed for the purposes of orientation and definition. Emphasis is placed on the distinction between low-intensity and high-intensity modes of arc operation. Following the preliminary discussion, the fundamental premises for the concept of a fluid transpiration arc are laid down. This concept relates to an arc discharge subject to the forced convection of a fluid medium, but differentiated from other systems of this type by the fact that the fluid is injected into the arc conduction zone via the anodic terminus through a porous anode structure. The postulated effectiveness criteria for this technique of arc heating require (1) that the average pore size be less than the anode fall space thickness, (2) that the transpiration surface be integrally congruent with the anodic discharge boundary, and (3) that the injected gas particle flux density have the same order of magnitude as the opposing drift electron flux density within the anode sheath region. A two-phase experimental program is described, the first being concerned with the validation of the basic concept and the second with a study of intrinsic characteristics. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0266847
Entities
People
- C. Sheer
- J.a. Cooney