Numerical simulation of a low-density plasma erosion opening switch

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.865513· OSTI ID:5434695

Grossmann, J M; Ottinger, P F; Neri, J M; Drobot, A T

Current conduction through a low density (--10/sup 12/ cm/sup -3/) collisionless plasma injected between two coaxial conducting cylinders is simulated using a 2 (1)/(2) -D, electromagnetic particle-in-cell code. Plasma is injected through the anode towards the cathode with flow velocity, V-italic/sub F-italic/, and is assumed to be azimuthally symmetric. Current is driven through the plasma so that the 100 kA level is reached in approx. =5 nsec. The opening process, when current is diverted to a load, is also treated. Electrons are found to carry current in a narrow current channel across the plasma by E x B drift. A large electric field is established by charge separation in the plasma in order to provide the drift. The motion of the anode end of the current channel controls the time of opening and is found to be independent of V-italic/sub F-italic/ and to depend strongly on density and length.

• Research Organization: Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375--5000
• OSTI ID: 5434695
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 29:8; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420700* -- Engineering-- Vacuum Engineering-- (-1987)
ANODES
AZIMUTH
CATHODES
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
CYLINDERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRODES
EQUIPMENT
EROSION
EXPANSION
MATHEMATICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLASMA
PLASMA EXPANSION
SIMULATION
SWITCHES
SYMMETRY
VELOCITY