EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF NOBLE GAS-ALKALI METAL PLASMAS
Abstract
The electrical conductivity of an argon-potassium plasma has been successfully measured. The experimental results indicate that the temperature of the electrons is elevated above the temperature of the electrons is elevated above the temperature of the plasma. It is shown that the two temperature theory is correct as a first estimate of the conductivity of the plasma. Joule heating, conduction and radiation heat losses, varying collision cross sections, thermionic emission, and non Maxwellian electron energy distribution cause the theory to differ from the experimental results. A successful method of measuring the electron temperature in the plasma has been devised using simple temperature measurement definitely proves the two temperature plasma theory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0414878
Entities
People
- Eugene L. Larson
- Frank C. Halstead
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology