Plasma Turbulence for Reentry Simulation.

The purpose of the research being pursued under this grant is to produce and characterize a turbulent plasma and to study transport processes in it. Particular attention will be given to diffusion of the plasma across a magnetic field because of the importance of magnetic confinement of plasmas in the upper atmosphere and in fusion research. Turbulent electrical resistivity is also important for heating the confined plasma. Because it is not possible to produce a homogeneously turbulent plasma in the laboratory, the author considers it important to develop a means of measuring the diffusion coefficient locally. The assessment of the problem of doing this, together with the design, specification and construction of the necessary laboratory facilities have occupied this reporting period. Author