STUDIES OF HIGH CURRENT GAS DISCHARGES AT HIGH RATES OF BUILD UP

Technical Report · Sat Oct 31 04:00:00 EST 1959

OSTI ID:4268844

Curran, S C; Allen, K W; Bodin, H A.B.; Fitch, R A; Peacock, N J; Reynolds, J A

Phenomena associated with high current gas discharges in straight tubes are reported. Condenser banks up to 150 mu F and voltages in the range 10 to 30 kv were used in circuits specially devised to give the maximum rate of rise of current. The condensers, which are connected in parallel, are each provided with spark gaps, all of which may be discharged within approximates 10/sup -6/ sec by means of a special triggering circuit. This parallel connection of condensers and spark gaps results in very low inductance, and rates of rise of current in excess of 10/sup 12/ amp/sec. Neutron emission from discharges in deuterium were observed for currents in the range 10/sup 5/ to 10/sup 6/ amperes. Data showing the dependence of neutron production on the circuit inductance, voltage, current, and gas pressure are presented. The quenching effect of impuritiess was investigated, and it was found that neutrons are still observed when as much as 5% of nitrogen is added to the deuterium. In this respect, the results appear to differ from those of other obsevers who have studied similar discharges. The effect of axial magnetic fields on the discharge characteristics is reported. (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston, Berks, Eng.
• NSA Number: NSA-13-006564
• OSTI ID: 4268844
• Report Number(s): A/CONF.15/P/1460
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CAPACITORS
CIRCUITS
CONTROLLED THERMONUCLEAR PROCESSES
CURRENTS
DEUTERIUM
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
EMISSION
IMPURITIES
INDUCTION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MEASURED VALUES
NEUTRONS
NITROGEN
OPENINGS
PRESSURE
SWITCHES
TUBES