Formation and evolution of the micropinch region in a vacuum spark

Journal Article · Sun Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1982 · Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6013355

Vikhrev, V V; Ivanov, V V; Koshelev, K N

A study is made of the plasma dynamics in the micropinch region of a vacuum spark at currents in the range 50--150 kA. It is shown that the formation of ''plasma points in a vacuum spark may be interpreted as a result of the contraction of a Z-pinch due to the outflow of plasma and a radiative energy loss. Two contractions occur during the discharge. The high temperature and the high plasma-confinement parameter during the second contraction in a plasma consisting of iron ions (Tapprox.1 keV, n/sub e/tauapprox.10/sup 14/ s/cm/sup 3/) cause a multiple ionization of the plasma ions. The contraction region is an intense source of soft x radiation.

• Research Organization: I. V. Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, Moscow
• OSTI ID: 6013355
• Journal Information: Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 8:6; ISSN SJPPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700106* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Plasma Production-- (-1987)
CHARGED PARTICLES
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC HEATING
ELECTRIC SPARKS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HEATING
IONIZATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IONS
IRON IONS
JOULE HEATING
MULTICHARGED IONS
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA HEATING
RADIATIONS
RESISTANCE HEATING
X RADIATION