Momentum interchange between cathode-spot plasma jets and background gases and vapors and its implications on vacuum-arc anode-spot development

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/27.131026· OSTI ID:6639002

Boxman, R L ^[1]; Goldsmith, S ^[2]

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1. Tel Aviv Univ. (Israel). Dept. of Interdisciplinary Studies
2. Tel Aviv Univ. (Israel). School of Physics and Astronomy

Expressions are developed for the momentum flux density in collimated and expanding cathode-spot plasma jets by multiplying the ion flux density by the momentum carried by individual ions. Cathode spots placed in a gas background produce a hemispherical metal-vapor plasma region whose radius may be predicted by equating the plasma-jet momentum flux density with the background gas pressure. In hot anode vacuum arcs and in anode-spot vacuum arcs a vapor plume from the anode expands into the cathodic plasma. Significant expansion occurs when the anodic vapor pressure becomes comparable to the cathodic momentum flux density.

• OSTI ID: 6639002
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (USA), Vol. 18:2; ISSN 0093-3813
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ANODES
VAPOR PRESSURE
PLASMA EXPANSION
PLASMA JETS
CATHODE SPUTTERING
FLUX DENSITY
IONS
MOMENTUM TRANSFER
VACUUM FURNACES
CHARGED PARTICLES
ELECTRODES
EXPANSION
FURNACES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SPUTTERING
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
700101* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Confinement
Heating
& Production