Weakly three-dimensional model of spherical contactors in unmagnetized plasmas
- E.T.S.I. Aeronauticos, Universidad Politecnica, 28040 Madrid (Spain)
A model of steady spherical contactors that takes into account small transverse gradients in plasma variables is presented. The effects of non-uniform boundary conditions on the electric potential profile, the collection of current, and the position of the double layer that confines the emitted plasma cloud, are studied. Appropriate jump conditions across the double layer are derived. Plasma profiles and parameters are calculated for different values of Legendre index l, dimensionless contactor potential {chi}{sub {ital R}}, and dimensionless collected current {ital j}{sub {ital e}0}. For high contactor potentials, small non-uniformities in the plasma emission can substantially affect the approximate spherical symmetry of the plasma. Also, for definite values of index l and double layer mean position, the symmetrical boundary-value problem can sustain free, stationary, non-symmetrical modes. The nature of these modes and its relevancy to the global stability of the plasma field are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.
- OSTI ID:
- 165472
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 2, Issue 9; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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