Plasma Diffusion in a Space-Simulation Beam-Plasma Discharge.

Abstract

Electron density and temperature profiles have been measured in a large-facility beam-plasma-discharge(V sub B = 1.3 KeV, I sub B = 63 ma) at low pressure (P = 2-4(10 to the -6th power)Torr) and low magnetic fields (B = 1.2 G). The results follow an exponential behavior and are found to be in good agreement with a simple diffusion model. The favorable comparison between theory and experiment yields the first estimate of cross-field electron diffusion (perpendicular diffusion coefficient(nom) = 2.2 million sq cm/sec) under conditions intended to simulate Spacelab-borne beam-plasma investigations. This value for perpendicular diffusion coefficient is orders of magnitude larger than would be expected for a cross-field collisional diffusion process, a result which is identified with the turbulent state of collective beam-plasma interactions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 12, 1979
Accession Number
ADA066922

Entities

People

  • D. N. Walker
  • Edward P. Szuszczewicz
  • H. Leinbach
  • J. C. Holmes

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Charged Particles
  • Coefficients
  • Diffusion
  • Diffusion Coefficient
  • Electric Fields
  • Electron Density
  • Electrons
  • Elements
  • Environment
  • Ion Beams
  • Ions
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • New York
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Turbulent Diffusion

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Analytical Mechanics
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster