Accession Number:

AD0483980

Title:

LOW-VOLTAGE ARC STUDIES.

Descriptive Note:

Quarterly progress rept. no. 11, 1 Dec 65-1 Mar 66,

Corporate Author:

MICHIGAN UNIV ANN ARBOR ELECTRON PHYSICS LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Martin, R. J.
• Rowe, J. E.
• Salinger, S. N.

Report Date:

1966-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

24.0

Abstract:

Experimental work is continuing on the low-voltage arc in neon, xenon and hydrogen. The work includes electrostatic probe measurements, determination of volt-ampere characteristics and photographs of the discharge. Curves are given of the effect of discharge spacing on the maximum electron density, maximum plasma potential and discharge voltage of a 4-ampere low-voltage arc in 2-Torr neon. The radial distribution of electron density, plasma potential and electron temperature of a 2-Torr neon 4-ampere discharge of 1.2 cm spacing is also included. In order to study the mechanism of ionization of the noble-gas, low-voltage arc, an irradiation experiment that is to be run is described. Checkout of the computer program for the Monte Carlo simulation of plasma diodes was completed. Program for the statistical analysis of the acquired data and for contour plotting of the spatial variation of plasma parameters are in preparation. Consideration was given to methods for inclusion of metastable atoms into the program. Data was compiled on the behavior of neon metastable atoms, including processes important in cumulative ionization mechanism. The cross sections for ionizing collisions between neon metastable atoms was computed. Performance of the Thomson scattering experimental system was evaluated. Author

Descriptors:

• *THERMIONIC CONVERTERS
• *ELECTRIC ARCS
• *PLASMAS(PHYSICS)
• GAS DISCHARGES
• ELECTRON DENSITY
• ATOMIC ENERGY LEVELS
• EXCITATION
• COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
• MONTE CARLO METHOD
• STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
• ELECTROSTATICS
• ELECTROMAGNETIC PROBES
• NEON
• XENON
• HYDROGEN
• TEMPERATURE
• ENERGY CONVERSION

Subject Categories:

• Electric Power Production and Distribution
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE