ELECTRON-ION RECOMBINATION IN MAGNETOPLASMADYNAMIC POWER GENERATORS

Abstract

In inert gas-alkali metal vapour magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) power generators employing an ionisation level above that corresponding to thermal ionisation at the static temperature of the plasma, recombination will be one of the main factors controlling the electrical conductivity of the gas. The present comprehensive review of recombination mechanisms indicates that, for the type of MPD generator mentioned, a three body electron-electron-ion recombination process will be of greatest importance. For the case where the gaseous component of the MPD generator is di- or poly-atomic, an alternative recombination mechanism is postulated (three body electron-atom-ion) and a recombination coefficient derived; values of this coefficient are given as functions of mean electron energy for hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and ammonia. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0285289

Entities

People

  • C.a. Robinson
  • I.r. Mcnab

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkali Metals
  • Coefficients
  • Conductivity
  • Electrical Conductivity
  • Electron Energy
  • Electrons
  • Elements
  • Energy
  • Generators
  • Hydrogen
  • Ionization
  • Metals
  • Nitrogen
  • Nitrogen Compounds

Readers

  • Plasma Physics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics