MHD Calculations of Anode Plasmas
Abstract
We have performed a series of idealized MHD calculations of the response of an anode plasma layer to the rising magnetic field in an applied-B ion diode. The purposes of this study were to consider Joule heating of the plasma layer, which could pose potential problems for lithium ion diodes, and the leakage of flux behind the ion-emitting surface, which is related to impedance collapse. We find that, as induced J x B forces move the plasma toward the wall, the entrained, initial field is compressed until it just equals the rising external field. Achieving such equilibrium decreases both Joule heating and flux leakage into the plasma. For relatively thin (~ 1 mm) plasma layers at moderate densities (10 to the 16th power - 10 to the 17th power cm-3) we calculate that this equilibrium is achieved quite rapidly, leading to acceptably low levels of both flux penetration and Joule heating.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA635208
Entities
People
- M. P. Desjarlais
- S. A. Slutz
- T. W. Hussey
Organizations
- Sandia National Laboratories