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Title: PERFORMANCE OF A HYDROMAGNETIC PLASMA GUN

Journal Article · · Physics of Fluids (U.S.)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1705989· OSTI ID:4191479

The performance of a hydromagnetic plasma gun is discussed which is able to accelerate several liters of hydrogen plasma containing about 5 x 10/sup 13/ protons to a velocity of 1.5 x 10/sup 7/ cm/sec and deposits more than 40% of the electric input energy at its terminals into kinetic energy of the jet. Magnetic probe measurements indicate that the jet can punch its way axially through the 10,000-gauss field of an external solenoid. Mass spectroscopic observations of a collimated sample of the jet shows a proton velocity spread of less than a factor of two. This and other evidence indicates a relatively low temperature of the plasma compared to its kinetic energy (100 ev per proton). (B.O.G.)

Research Organization:
Los Alamos Scientific Lab., N. Mex.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-14-009152
OSTI ID:
4191479
Journal Information:
Physics of Fluids (U.S.), Vol. Vol: 3; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English