AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE MASS DISTRIBUTION FROM THE EXHAUST OF A COAXIAL PLASMA ACCELERATOR.
Abstract
Investigations were conducted on the mass distribution of the exhaust of a coaxial plasma accelerator in order to gain insight into the manner by which the fuel (gold) is ionized and accelerated. Tests were conducted using both annular sections of gold foil and single strands of gold wire. Both types of runs showed a non-uniform angular distribution with one or more well defined peaks. The similarity between the distributions leads to the probable conclusion that the foil, rather than undergoing uniform ionization around the annulus, is actually ionizing a discreet 'spokes' about its periphery. Experiments conducted with gold foil involved varying the distance from the accelerator to the collector. A fairly uniform dispersion of gold plasma was observed as collector distance increased. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0706028
Entities
People
- Robert Dale Strouse
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School