Electron beam hollowing instability threshold

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866354· OSTI ID:6766202

Godfrey, B B

High-current, fast-rise-time electron beams in air often are subject to powerful hollowing instabilities. Previous work indicates that the instability is triggered by avalanche ionization of the air, which occurs for a ratio of inductive electric field strength to air density exceeding 130 kV/cm-atm. Here, computer simulations are used to recast this threshold criterion in terms of the beam current rise rate, which is more readily accessible experimentally. The threshold dependence on beam radius and peak current is much weaker. The current rise rate tends to increase during propagation caused by erosion of the beam front, and this behavior is explored with additional simulations. Evidence for hollowing stabilization by electron energy spread also is presented. Numerical algorithms employed in these calculations are included for completeness.

• Research Organization: Mission Research Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
• OSTI ID: 6766202
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 30:2; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
AIR
BEAM INJECTION
BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS
BEAMS
ELECTRON BEAM INJECTION
ELECTRON BEAMS
ENERGY
ENERGY RANGE
FLUIDS
GASES
INSTABILITY
LEPTON BEAMS
PARTICLE BEAMS
PLASMA INSTABILITY
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
SIMULATION
THRESHOLD ENERGY