Schlieren diagnostic for cinematic visualization of dense plasma jets at Alfvénic timescales

The manner in which magnetized plasma jets evolve remains key to better understanding the behavior of hydromagnetic systems and providing new insights into how they can be dynamically controlled. In this work, we present the underlying theory, apparatus, and optical features of a schlieren diagnosti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Experiments in fluids 2020-01, Vol.61 (1), Article 17
Main Authors: Underwood, Thomas C., Loebner, Keith T. K., Miller, Victor A., Cappelli, Mark A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dense plasmas
Diagnostic systems
Engineering
Engineering Fluid Dynamics
Engineering Thermodynamics
Fluid- and Aerodynamics
Heat and Mass Transfer
Image contrast
Mechanics
Plasma
Plasma density
Plasma guns
Plasma jets
Research Article
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Summary:The manner in which magnetized plasma jets evolve remains key to better understanding the behavior of hydromagnetic systems and providing new insights into how they can be dynamically controlled. In this work, we present the underlying theory, apparatus, and optical features of a schlieren diagnostic capable of cinematically visualizing dense plasma jets. We identify the range of plasma density over which the diagnostic is sensitive and describe ways to further improve image contrast. This diagnostic features the unique ability to simultaneously resolve both the characteristic Alfvénic timescales and spatial flow features with continuous acquisition over the lifetime of a jet. We use this diagnostic to visualize the formation and evolution of hydromagnetic jets produced from a plasma gun device. Dynamic coherent flow features are identified and tracked over time throughout the evolutionary progression of plasma jets. Finally, the process by which these coherent features translate into perturbations of magnetized bow shocks is visualized. Graphical abstract Experimental schematic of the schlieren apparatus and plasma source used in this study. A z-type schlieren conguration is used with a 630 nm, 250 mW laser backlight source, two f /4 60 cm focal length mirrors, and a ‘sooted’ slide as an optical cutoff. Flow dynamics are captured with a Shimadzu HPV-X2 with a continuous sample rate of 10 MHz. The source used to produce hydromagnetic plasma jets is a gun device. The development of coherent flow structures is observed indicating that the transition to quasi-steady flow is a dynamic process
ISSN:0723-4864
1432-1114
DOI:10.1007/s00348-019-2848-5