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Free-boundary vacuum arc plasma jet expansion in a curved magnetic field

Journal Article · · IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/27.772293· OSTI ID:6440091
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (United States)
  2. Tel Aviv Univ. (Israel). Electrical Discharge and Plasma Lab.

A hydrodynamic model of free-boundary vacuum arc plasma jet flow through a curved magnetic field has been developed. The plasma flow was modeled by sourceless steady-state equations, and the free boundary of the plasma was determined as a part of the solution of the gas-dynamic equations. It was found that the maximum plasma density shifts with respect to the centerline. The shift is maximum at the 90[degree] guide exit plane and for the case of low magnetic field. The maximum increase in longitudinal plasma velocity along the duct was shown to be a factor of three. The plasma distribution within the duct was analyzed experimentally using a deposition probe technique. The plasma jet expansion predicted by the model was compared with the experiment and a good qualitative agreement was found.

Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
6440091
Journal Information:
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Vol. 27:2; ISSN ITPSBD; ISSN 0093-3813
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English