Research in the Measurements and Theory of Plasmoids and their Applications to Missiles and Satellite Technology
Abstract
Finite plasmas, termed plasmoids, have been produced and studied in this laboratory. A convenient and flexible experimental apparatus has been designed and constructed for producing the phenomena. An image converter light shutter unit is near completion which will allow examination of the plasmoid shape. Microwave equipment is being added to the system for measurements on the electron density and internal magnetic fields in the plasmoids. Time-exposure photographs have been made under various conditions of magnetic field and background gas pressure and show strong dependence of plasmoid characteristics on these parameters. Concurrent theoretical investigations of the stability of cylindrical plasma configurations have been made complementing the experimental phase. The simplest configuration whereby the internal magnetic field of the cylinder is "force-free" has been found incompatible due to the inability to meet boundary conditions. A more complex situation is now being treated where the stability or instability is controlled by interactions between the magnetic fields and fluid motions within the plasmoid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD1038383
Entities
People
- Dale J. Degeeter
Organizations
- IIT Research Institute