MHD flow control for plasma technology applications

MHD effects arising in plasma sources, such as short-pulsed magnetoplasmadynamic generators and inductively heated plasma generators, are analyzed with both algebraic models and measured data. Functional principles of the sources based on their MHD behavior are explained. Moreover, Stewart numbers in the order of magnitude of at least 10−1 are calculated for the systems and qualified as an identifier for the magnetic influence on plasmas. Here, the considered plasma systems that are a priori known as MHD systems were used to determine typical values of the Stewart number. Based on this experience the concept of a plasma probe to magnetically influence or control weakly ionized free stream plasma flows is presented.