FLOWING GAS DISCHARGES IN POTASSIUM AND MERCURY.
Abstract
The resistivity of superheated potassium and mercury vapor was measured. Substantial heating of the gas by the discharge was avoided by flowing the gas through the discharge region. The resistivity of potassium gas at 7.8 torr pressure, 870K and 1 amp/sq. cm. current is 2.2 ohm-cm. The resistivity of mercury gas at 14 torr pressure, 870K and 0.67 amp/sq. cm. current is 10 ohm-cm. The resistance was primarily due to short range electron-neutral atom collisions. The cross section for this process as calculated from the resistivity is 1.5 x 10 to the -14th power sq. cm. for potassium and 2.5 x 10 to the -14th power sq. cm. for mercury. Radiation losses were neglected in this calculation. An experimental MGD device using potassium as a working fluid was constructed. Ionization was to be nonequilibrium and provided by magnetic induction. Selfsubstained operation was not achieved due to internal shorting by potassium films on insulator surfaces. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0628187
Entities
People
- Charles A. Guderjahn