STUDY OF PROPERTIES OF ACCELERATED PLASMA.

Abstract

An experimental investigation of the physical properties of the plasma produced in the discharge of an inductive, impulsive, plasma accelerator has been conducted. The objectives of the work were to continually improve the performance of the accelerator as well as to understand the plasma processes and the acceleration mechanism within the current layer. By decreasing the parasitic inductance of the accelerator and the resistance of the spark gap during its ignition transient, it has been possible to develop a diamagnetic, snow-plow discharge in argon at 1-torr pressure on the first half-cycle without using preionization. From the interpretation of probe data, it is found that the current layer is composite having a region of electron current at the front followed by ion current deeper within the layer. The electron current ionizes the gas and supports the steep portion of the moving magnetic field front. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1968
Accession Number
AD0667207

Entities

People

  • C. L. Dailey

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Properties
  • Composite Materials
  • Electrons
  • Ignition
  • Inductance
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetic Properties
  • Motion
  • Physical Properties
  • Plasma Accelerators
  • Quantum Properties
  • Resistance
  • Spark Gaps
  • Standard Enthalpy Changes
  • Thermodynamic Properties

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics