Current channel migration and magnetic field penetration in a perfectly conducting plasma with emitting, conducting boundaries

Journal Article · Fri Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Journal of Applied Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.344287· OSTI ID:5591319

Grossmann, J M; Ottinger, P F ^[1]; Mason, R J ^[2]

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1. Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375-5000 (US)
2. Applied Theoretical Physics Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545

In collisionless simulations of the plasma erosion opening switch, a highly conductive plasma allows magnetic field penetration through the entire length of the plasma, to depths almost two orders of magnitude greater than the collisionless skin depth, {ital c}/{omega}{sub pe}. Field penetration is accomplished by a narrow (skin-depth-like) current channel that migrates through the plasma. The plasma behind the current channel is unable to shield the rising magnetic field from the body of the plasma and allows it to penetrate almost instantly and completely through the plasma up to the current channel. The migration of the channel and the penetration of the field appear to occur in the absence of both Coulomb collisions and instabilities. These unusual features are permitted by the electric field structure in the plasma behind the current channel and the presence of conducting boundaries that can emit electrons.

• OSTI ID: 5591319
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA) Vol. 66:6; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700108* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Wave Phenomena
CHANNELING
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PENETRATION DEPTH
PLASMA SWITCHES
SIMULATION
SWITCHES