Numerical simulation of a low density plasma erosion opening switch

Technical Report · Wed Mar 19 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5871267

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

The conduction of current through a low density (approx.10/sup 12/ cm/sup -3/) collisionless plasma injected between two coaxial conducting cylinders is simulated using a 2 1/2D, electromagnetic particle-in-cell code. Plasma is injected through the anode towards the cathode with flow velocity, V/sub F, and is assumed to be azimuthally symmetric. Current is driven through the plasma so that the 100 kA level is reached in approx.5 ns. 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/sub F/ and to depend strongly on density and length.

• Research Organization: Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (USA). Plasma Physics Div.
• DOE Contract Number: AI08-79DP40092
• OSTI ID: 5871267
• Report Number(s): NRL-MR-5724; ON: DE86009119
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700103* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Kinetics
ANODES
CATHODES
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRODES
EQUIPMENT
PLASMA
PLASMA DRIFT
SIMULATION
SWITCHES