Numerical simulation of the compressor coil of the plasma dynamic accelerator

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · IEEE Transactions on Magnetics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/20.559968· OSTI ID:462690

Thomas, P ^[1]

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1. Technische Universitaet Muenchen (Germany). Fachgebiet Raumfahrttechnik

The plasma dynamic accelerator accelerates a plasma to very high velocities in a coaxial accelerator and then compresses it in a compressor coil, achieving high densities. The axial component of the current distribution, extending from the tip of the coaxial accelerator`s center electrode to the coil turns, causes compressing forces, the radial component yields accelerating forces. The rapid change of the coil current induces azimuthal eddy currents in the plasma that interact with the coil`s magnetic field, again yielding Lorentz forces. Aerodynamic compression may also be an important effect. A new two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics code is used to investigate which of these effects are really important for the compression. The code allows one to simulate all effects mentioned separately and in combination. In a first step only aerodynamic compression is considered. Then each electromagnetic effect is imposed on the system. Finally, a complete simulation of the compressor coil is performed. The analysis of the results provides new insights in the way the coil operates. This paper presents important aspects of the mathematical model and of the numerical implementation and reports results.

• OSTI ID: 462690
• Report Number(s): CONF-9604202--
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Magnetics Journal Issue: 1Pt1 Vol. 33; ISSN IEMGAQ; ISSN 0018-9464
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
COMPRESSION
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
OPERATION
PERFORMANCE
PLASMA ACCELERATION
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA GUNS