Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
9793842 Journal of Nuclear Materials 2005 5 Pages PDF
Abstract
The streaming of a plasma in a magnetic nozzle field in front of a terminating target is studied by means of laser induced fluorescence. In contrast to expectations basing on Bohm's criterion it is found that the flow is generally sub-sonic in the region behind the last magnetic coil. Half-sided Maxwellian ion-distribution functions with Mach numbers around 0.5 are typical for standard recycling conditions within a distance of the mean free path length from the target. Larger flow velocities, possibly exceeding M = 1, are however observed under maximum gas pumping conditions. The importance of the recycling neutrals with respect to the streaming behavior is also corroborated by numerical simulations.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Nuclear Energy and Engineering
Authors
, , , ,