INVESTIGATION OF MAGNETICALLY INDUCED IONIZATION.
Abstract
Experiments were performed in the shock tube-MHD generator under the following conditions: The test gas was xenon with temperatures between 3600K and 9500K, electron densities between 10 to the 9th and 16th power electrons/cc, electrical conductivities between 0.01 mhos/m and 3000 mhos/m. The magnetic field strength was varied from 5000 to 30000 gauss. Six electrode geometries were used. The major results obtained were: Below electron densities of 10 to the 12th power electrons/cc, sheaths effects at the electrodes completely controlled the generator performance. Between 10 to the 12th and 14th power electrons/cc, the sheath resistance was greatly reduced if the applied Faraday field was greater than 1000 v/m. Above 10 to the 14th power electrons/cc, the electrode current mechanism was found to be the same as in the cold cathode arc and the sheath resistance was negligible. The measured Hall voltage was appreciably lower than the theoretical value. However, it was determined that the sheath effect was more detrimental to the achievement of magnetically induced ionization than the low Hall voltage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0609273
Entities
People
- B. Zauderer
Organizations
- General Electric