Confinement properties of a low-beta discharge in a spindle cusp magnetic field

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.865628· OSTI ID:5762252

Bosch, R A; Merlino, R L

An experimental study of the confinement properties of a low-(average) beta discharge plasma in a spindle cusp magnetic field is described. Electron and ion densities, space potentials, and plasma flow velocities were measured in the ring and point cusps. The leak width of the escaping plasma was measured over a large range of magnetic field strengths and neutral pressures. Leak widths varying between the hybrid gyrodiameter and the ion gyrodiameter were observed. The dependence of the leak width on neutral pressure and magnetic field is accounted for by a simple model in which plasma diffuses across the magnetic field as a result of neutral particle collisions while streaming out of the cusps along the magnetic field lines. At the lowest neutral pressures investigated, the scaling of the leak width with magnetic field strength suggests that noncollisional mechanisms (e.g., Bohm diffusion) determine the leak width.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
• OSTI ID: 5762252
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 29:6; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
ARGON
CONFINEMENT
CUSPED GEOMETRIES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELEMENTS
EXPANSION
FLUIDS
GASES
LOW-BETA PLASMA
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NONMETALS
OPEN CONFIGURATIONS
PLASMA
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA EXPANSION
PLASMA PRODUCTION
RARE GASES
VELOCITY