A Physics Exploratory Experiment on Plasma Liner Formation (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781289288365)

Momentum flux for imploding a target plasma in magnetized target fusion (MTF) may be delivered by an array of plasma guns launching plasma jets that would merge to form an imploding plasma shell (liner). In this paper, we examine what would be a worthwhile experiment to do in order to explore the dynamics of merging plasma jets to form a plasma liner as a first step in establishing an experimental database for plasma-jets driven magnetized target fusion (PJETS-MTF). Using past experience in fusion energy research as a model, we envisage a four-phase program to advance the art of PJETS-MTF to fusion breakeven Q is approximately 1). The experiment (PLX (Plasma Liner Physics Exploratory Experiment)) described in this paper serves as Phase I of this four-phase program. The logic underlying the selection of the experimental parameters is presented. The experiment consists of using twelve plasma guns arranged in a circle, launching plasma jets towards the center of a vacuum chamber. The velocity of the plasma jets chosen is 200 km/s, and each jet is to carry a mass of 0.2 mg - 0.4 mg. A candidate plasma accelerator for launching these jets consists of a coaxial plasma gun of the Marshall type.

Author: Nasa Technical Reports Server (Ntrs),Y. C. Francis Thio
ISBN-10: 1289288364
ISBN-13: 9781289288365
Publisher: Bibliogov
Language: English
Published: 08/07/2013
Pages: 26
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.15lbs
Size: 9.69h x 7.44w x 0.05d