Formation of the compression zone in a plasma flow generated by a magnetoplasma compressor

Journal Article · Sun Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 2013 · Plasma Physics Reports

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1134/S1063780X13110081· OSTI ID:22314759

Petrov, Yu. V.; Garkusha, I. E.; Chebotarev, V. V.; Ladygina, M. S.; Cherednichenko, T. N.; Morgal’, Ya. I.; Kulik, N. V.; Stal’tsov, V. V.; Eliseev, D. V. ^[1]

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1. National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Institute of Plasma Physics, National Science Center Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology (Ukraine)

Processes occurring in a plasma flow generated by a magnetoplasma compressor (MPC) during the formation of the compression zone are discussed. The paper presents results of measurements of the spatial distribution of the electric current in the plasma flow, the temporal and spatial (along the flow) distributions of the plasma density, and the profiles of the velocity of individual flow layers along the system axis. The spatial distribution of the electromagnetic force in the flow is analyzed. It is shown that the plasma flow is decelerated when approaching the compression zone and reaccelerated after passing it. In this case, the plasma flow velocity decreases from ν = (2–3) × 10{sup 7} cm/s at the MPC output to ν < 10{sup 6} cm/s in the region of maximum compression and then again increases to 10{sup 7} cm/s at a distance of 15–17 cm from the MPC output. In some MPC operating modes, a displacement of the magnetic field from the compression zone and the formation of toroidal electric current vortices in the plasma flow after passing the compression zone were detected.

• OSTI ID: 22314759
• Journal Information: Plasma Physics Reports, Journal Name: Plasma Physics Reports Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 39; ISSN PPHREM; ISSN 1063-780X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
COMPRESSION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOPLASMA COMPRESSORS
PLASMA DENSITY
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
VORTICES