Three-fluid simulation of the plasma-erosion-opening switch

Journal Article · Sat Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.341336· OSTI ID:6764146

Mason, R J; Jones, M E; Grossmann, J M; Ottinger, P F

The dynamics of the plasma-erosion-opening switch is characterized with the aid of 2D three-fluid simulation using the ANt-smcapsh-smcapsEm-smcaps implicit simulation code, for plasma fill densities ranging from 10/sup 12/ to 6 x 10/sup 13/ cm/sup -3/ with 45-ns pulse rise times. The switch behavior is found to depend sensitively on the threshold for electron emission at the cathode, on the detailed structure of the anode with its injection holes, and on the possible action of anomalous resistivity in the fill plasma. Closest agreement with NRL GAMBLE I experimental results is obtained with the combination of zero electric field threshold emission at the cathode, an ''open'' anode, and modest anomalous resistivity.

• Research Organization: Applied Theoretical Physics Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 6764146
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 64:8; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640410* -- Fluid Physics-- General Fluid Dynamics
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
A CODES
COMPUTER CODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRON EMISSION
EMISSION
EQUIPMENT
OPERATION
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLASMA SWITCHES
SIMULATION
SWITCHES
THRESHOLD CURRENT