Development of a theta-pinch discharge as a sampling source for refractory solids

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:7145247

White, J S

The development of a previously designed theta-pinch discharge was undertaken in order to improve its ability to sample solid materials. Of primary interest were nonconducting and refractory solids. Hardware changes in the device included the use of new power supplies, which greatly shortened capacitor charging time, and also allowed for operating the system under complete remote control through an EPROM programmed controller. Other major changes included the design of a solenoid theta coil and the use of a larger main discharge capacitor (6.05 {mu}F). Experiments performed included the study of differing plasma fill gases, effect of sample size and placement, effect of increasing both the inductance and capacitance of the main discharge circuit and recording the time- and space-resolved emission of the plasma species. It was concluded that the value of the induced plasma current was the most important identified physical parameter. Higher plasma currents lead to greater plasma compression and vastly improved sampling. With the sampling of ZrC powder, it is claimed that the theta pinch discharge is capable of sampling any solid material.

• Research Organization: Illinois Univ., Urbana, IL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7145247
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360203 -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Mechanical Properties
640410* -- Fluid Physics-- General Fluid Dynamics
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA
REFRACTORIES
SAMPLING
THETA PINCH
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
ZIRCONIUM CARBIDES
ZIRCONIUM COMPOUNDS