Plasma Sound Source Basic Research
Abstract
This report investigates the phenomena of breakdown and initial arc formation of a plasma sound source. The prebreakdown phase is examined experimentally. A proton-hopping model is proposed that is qualitatively consistent with the data. A literature review of the behavior of water near electrodes shows water having a regular, solid-like structure, permitting use of proton-hopping models to calculate specifics of ion transport in the electrode vicinity. A mechanism for obtaining the transition of the H+ ions to a high mobility state and shortcomings of electron-based breakdown models are discussed. Experimental data indicate that breakdown occurs from structures not strongly pressure dependent. An arc model (finite difference one-dimensional) is developed showing interior dynamics of the discharge and conversion of electrical energy to hydromechanical energy on the bubble, including radiative and conductive heat transport, particle transport, ionization, compressibility of the filling plasma, and the compressibility of the surrounding water. Some calculated results of this model are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370410
Entities
People
- Austin M. Gleeson
- David L. Fisher
- James C. Espinosa
- Robert L. Rogers
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin