Numerical simulation of a low‐density plasma erosion opening switch

Current conduction through a low density (∼101 2 cm− 3) collisionless plasma injected between two coaxial conducting cylinders is simulated using a 2 (1)/(2) ‐D, electromagnetic particle‐in‐cell code. Plasma is injected through the anode towards the cathode with flow velocity, V F , and is assumed t...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Physics of fluids (1958) 1986-08, Vol.29 (8), p.2724-2735
Main Authors: Grossmann, J. M., Ottinger, P. F., Neri, J. M., Drobot, A. T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Connection and protection apparatus
Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering
Exact sciences and technology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Current conduction through a low density (∼101 2 cm− 3) collisionless plasma injected between two coaxial conducting cylinders is simulated using a 2 (1)/(2) ‐D, electromagnetic particle‐in‐cell code. Plasma is injected through the anode towards the cathode with flow velocity, V F , and is assumed to be azimuthally symmetric. Current is driven through the plasma so that the 100 kA level is reached in ≂5 nsec. The opening process, when current is diverted to a load, is also treated. Electrons are found to carry current in a narrow current channel across the plasma by E×B drift. A large electric field is established by charge separation in the plasma in order to provide the drift. The motion of the anode end of the current channel controls the time of opening and is found to be independent of V F and to depend strongly on density and length.
ISSN:0031-9171
2163-4998
DOI:10.1063/1.865513