AN EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL STUDY OF THE NON-EQUILIBRIUM PLASMA IN THERMIONIC DISCHARGES
Abstract
Effective coefficients for ionization and radiative energy loss were computed for different values of electron temperature and density. These coefficients and the neutral density yield the rates for net ion production and radiative energy loss from all sources except the resonance lines. Energy loss from resonance lines and the ion production cost are considered separately. The following general conclusions can be drawn: (1) the area within 0.4 mm of the emitter is a source of ion-electron pairs, the rest of the plasma being a sink; (2) inelastic energy losses decrease monotonically from the emitter to the collector; and (3) these effects are relatively independent of cesium pressure, but are generally proportional to output density. Furthermore, the differential equations governing the transport of particles, momentum, and energy in the plasma between the electrodes of a thermionic converter were more completely formulated. Specific advances are the inclusion of more exact coefficients for electron transport and for ion production and radiative energy loss in the plasma volume. In diode experiments, the electron temperature was determined from measurement of the continuum emitted by radiative recombination to the 6P states of cesium, and the electron density was determined from Stark broadening of the fundamental series lines. Of particular interest is observation of forbidden lines.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0664494
Entities
People
- David W. Norcross
- Kaare J. Nygaard
- Philip M. Stone
- Ronald H. Curry
Organizations
- Sperry Corporation