Microwave generation of stable atmospheric-pressure fireballs in air

Journal Article · Wed Nov 15 00:00:00 EST 2006 · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVE.74.055401· OSTI ID:21072347

Stephan, Karl D ^[1]

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1. Department of Engineering and Technology, Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas 78666 (United States) and Process Energetics Laboratory, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758 (United States)

The generation of stable buoyant fireballs in a microwave cavity in air at atmospheric pressure without the use of vaporized solids is described. These fireballs have some of the characteristics of ball lightning and resemble those reported by Dikhtyar and Jerby [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 045002 (2006)], although of a different color, and do not require the presence of molten or vaporized material. Mechanisms of microwave plasma formation and fluid dynamics can account for the observed behavior of the fireballs, which do not appear to meet the accepted definition of dusty plasmas in this case. Relevance to models of ball lightning and industrial applications are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 21072347
• Journal Information: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Vol. 74, Issue 5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.74.055401; (c) 2006 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AIR
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
BALL LIGHTNING
CAVITY RESONATORS
COLOR
FLUID MECHANICS
MICROWAVE RADIATION
PLASMA
PLASMA PRODUCTION