Numerical Simulation of a Low Density Plasma Erosion Opening Switch.
Abstract
The conduction of current through a low density (approx 10 to the 12th power per cu cm) collisionless plasma injected between two coaxial conducting cylinders is simulated using a 2 1/2D, electromagnetic particle-in-cell code. Plasma is injected through the anode towards the cathode with flow velocity, VF, and is assumed to be azimuthally symmetric. Current is driven through the plasma so that the 100 kA level is reached in approx. 5 ns. The opening process, when current is diverted to a load, is also treated. Electrons are found to carry current in a narrow current channel across the plasma by E X B drift. A large electric field is established by charge separation in the plasma in order to provide the drift. The motion of the anode end of the current channel controls the time of opening and is found to be independent of VF and to depend strongly on density and length. Keywords include: Fast opening switches, Numerical simulation of plasmas, Current conduction in plasmas, Pulse compression, and Pulsed power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA166456
Entities
People
- A. T. Drobot
- J. M. Grossmann
- J. M. Neri
- Paul F. Ottinger
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory