Accession Number:

AD1038383

Title:

Research in the Measurements and Theory of Plasmoids and their Applications to Missiles and Satellite Technology

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report,01 Jun 1958,31 May 1959

Corporate Author:

ARMOUR RESEARCH FOUNDATION CHICAGO IL CHICAGO United States

Personal Author(s):

• DeGeeter,Dale J.

Report Date:

1959-06-11

Pagination or Media Count:

64.0

Abstract:

Finite plasmas, termed plasmoids, have been produced and studied in this laboratory. A convenient and flexible experimental apparatus has been designed and constructed for producing the phenomena. An image converter light shutter unit is near completion which will allow examination of the plasmoid shape. Microwave equipment is being added to the system for measurements on the electron density and internal magnetic fields in the plasmoids. Time-exposure photographs have been made under various conditions of magnetic field and background gas pressure and show strong dependence of plasmoid characteristics on these parameters. Concurrent theoretical investigations of the stability of cylindrical plasma configurations have been made complementing the experimental phase. The simplest configuration whereby the internal magnetic field of the cylinder is force-free has been found incompatible due to the inability to meet boundary conditions. A more complex situation is now being treated where the stability or instability is controlled by interactions between the magnetic fields and fluid motions within the plasmoid.

Descriptors:

• MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
• temperature gradients
• capacitors
• electrodes
• magnetic fields
• PLASMAS (PHYSICS)
• frequency
• measurement
• image converters
• ELECTRON DENSITY
• experimental design
• ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE
• circuits
• ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
• differential equations
• electromagnetic fields

Subject Categories:

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE