AN INVESTIGATION OF MPD ACCELERATIONS.
Abstract
An MPD accelerator is considered. A typical axisymmetric configuration is used and several experiments are carried out concerning MPD acceleration of six gases: hydrogen, deuterium, helium, ammonia, nitrogen, and argon. Flow rates range from 5 to 250 mg/sec depending on gas and other conditions. Accelerator currents were varied from 100 to 2000 amperes and externally applied magnetic fields from zero to 2200 gauss. Under such conditions the ambient pressure in the environmental tank could be maintained in the range of 10 to 100 microns Hg, except in cases where a higher pressure was deliberately set. Four separate subjects are investigated by experimental work and by analytical interpretation of the data: (a) uniformity and stability of the electrical discharge, (b) experimental evaluation of environmental interference by entrainment, (c) velocity determination by Doppler shift measurements, and (d) examination of acceleration mechanisms. In this last subject two topics receive particular attention by experimental data interpretation; acceleration of ions versus acceleration of neutrals and plasma (mass) rotation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0705633
Entities
People
- A. C. Malliaris
- D. R. Libby