End loss from a collision dominated theta pinch plasma

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.862056· OSTI ID:7318775

McKenna, K F; York, T M

The plasma parameters and end loss in a collision-dominated theta pinch plasma have been investigated photographically, interferometrically, with axially arrayed diamagnetic probes and with a local pressure sensitive diagnostic. The compressed plasma (n/sub e/maxapprox.10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/, T/sub e/=T/sub i/approx.45 eV) is highly stable for a period of approximately 9 ..mu..sec; the end-loss process is examined over this time interval. The development of a plasma throat region has been identified at an axial position of approximately one coil diameter within the theta pinch coil ends. The existence of inward propagating rarefaction waves is indicated from the plasma temperature time history. The plasma end-loss rate derived from local pressure measurements indicates an initial period of rapid particle loss followed by a period of gradual decay in the loss rate. The experimentally observed end-loss time is in excellent agreement with the prediction of a recent numerical magnetohydrodynamic computation.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, University of California, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 7318775
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 20:9; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
700102 -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
COLLISIONAL PLASMA
END EFFECTS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INTERFEROMETRY
LINEAR PINCH DEVICES
LINEAR THETA PINCH DEVICES
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PINCH DEVICES
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
SCYLLA DEVICES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES