Accession Number:

ADA183691

Title:

Onset Criteria for Structure in Magnetically Confined Plasma Expansions.

Descriptive Note:

Memorandum rept.,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Huba,J. D.

Report Date:

1987-07-09

Pagination or Media Count:

22.0

Abstract:

A set of criteria is proposed for the onset of structure caused by the unmagnetized ion Rayleigh-Taylor instability in magnetically confined plasma expansions. R sub C, the critical radius at which structure can begin to develop, is independent of the magnetic field. There is a critical value of laser energy that needs to be exceeded for structure to develop. These criteria are consistent with available experimental data from AMPTE and the DNANRL laser experiment. A series of laser experiments recommended which will confirm or refute these criteria.

Descriptors:

• *PLASMAS(PHYSICS)
• RADIUS(MEASURE)
• EXPERIMENTAL DATA
• ENERGY
• LASERS
• MAGNETIC FIELDS
• IONS
• STABILITY
• CONFINEMENT(GENERAL)
• LASER PUMPING
• STABILITY

Subject Categories:

• Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE