High Power Microwave Breakdown Experimental Design Study.
Abstract
A series of experiments, and necessary apparatus, designed to study phenomena associated with microwave breakdown in front of a conducting surface is suggested. The design utilizes conventional microwave sources, allowing study of breakdown up to an ambient of about half an atmosphere. A simple model for breakdown in front of a conducting surface, including electron density growth and saturation and microwave absorption, is described, and experiments designed to test the model are discussed. Results obtained from preliminary experiments performed under a TRW IR&D program are also described. These results qualitatively verify the model predictions of high microwave absorption, and also illustrate some of the more complex phenomena associated with microwave breakdown, including shock wave generation and filamentation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA176941
Entities
People
- Jeffrey J. Thomson
- William F. Divergilio