Anode-plasma expansion in pinch-reflex diodes

Journal Article · Mon Oct 24 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.51.1562· OSTI ID:5576344

Colombant, D G; Goldstein, S A

Anode-plasma expansion in pinch-reflex diodes is investigated with use of a one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic model. Early in time, the plasma undergoes thermal expansion and its front is slowed down as a result of j x B. After the current has reached its maximum and for small radius where j and B are larger, j x B may accelerate the bulk of the anode plasma to large velocities. Good qualitative agreement is obtained with observations of the time dependence of the plasma velocity as well as its radial profile. The maximum expansion velocities reach tens of centimeters per microsecond.

• Research Organization: Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375
• OSTI ID: 5576344
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Vol. 51:17
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
PLASMA EXPANSION
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
VELOCITY
ACCELERATION
ANODES
CORRELATIONS
CURRENT DENSITY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
THEORETICAL DATA
THERMAL EXPANSION
TIME DEPENDENCE
DATA
ELECTRODES
EXPANSION
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INFORMATION
MECHANICS
NUMERICAL DATA
700105* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Plasma Kinetics-Theoretical- (-1987)