Current Distribution in a Plasma Erosion Opening Switch.

Abstract

The current distribution in a plasma erosion opening switch is determined from magnetic field probe data. During the closed state of the switch the current channel broadens rapidly. The width of the curret channel is consistent with a bipolar current density limit imposed by the ion flux to the cathode. The effective resistivity of the current channel is consistent with a bipolar current density limit imposed by the ion flux to the cathode. The effective resistivity of the current channel is anomalously large. Current is diverted to the load when a gap opens near the cathode side of the switch. The observed gap opening can be explained by erosion of the plasma. Magnetic pressure is insufficent to open the gap. Additional keywords: Computations. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 27, 1985
Accession Number
ADA150987

Entities

People

  • Bruce V. Weber
  • J. M. Neri
  • Robert A. Meger
  • Robert J. Commisso
  • W. F. Oliphant

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Classification
  • Current Density
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • Generators
  • High Voltage
  • Ions
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetic Forces
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Pulse Compression
  • Security
  • Switches

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Plasma Physics.