ENERGY LOSS FROM A TOROIDAL PINCH DISCHARGE

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Physics of Fluids (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1706345· OSTI ID:4023036

Karr, H J; Knapp, E A; Osher, J E

Most high-temperature plasma devices, and in particular pinch discharges, have energy-loss rates much larger than can be accounted for in terms of hydrogenic bremsstrahlung or quiescent plasma diffusion. This loss was investigated for a toroidal pinch discharge machine with longitudinal stabilizing magnetic field, Perhapsatron S-4. It is found that the major energy dissipation is due to vacuum ultraviolet emission from partially stripped impurity ions. The impurity is predominantly oxygen liberated from the walls of the tube into the discharge after the pinch was formed. Characteristics of this radiation are discussed, as well as a possible mechanism for the release of the impurity into the discharge. Comparisons between experimental results and theoretical predictions on the rate of radiation loss are given. (auth)

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., N. Mex.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-15-016581
• OSTI ID: 4023036
• Journal Information: Physics of Fluids (U.S.), Journal Name: Physics of Fluids (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 4; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

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