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Current distribution in a plasma erosion opening switch

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5883257
The current distribution in a plasma erosion opening switch is determined from magnetic field probe data. During the closed state of the switch the current channel broadens rapidly. The width of the current channel is consistent with a bipolar current density limit imposed by the ion flux to the cathode. The effective resistivity of the current channel is anomalously large. Current is diverted to the load when a gap opens near the cathode side of the switch. The observed gap opening can be explained by erosion of the plasma. Magnetic pressure is insufficient to open the gap.
Research Organization:
Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AI08-79DP40092
OSTI ID:
5883257
Report Number(s):
NRL-Memo-5515; ON: DE85008244
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English