CaltechAUTHORS
  A Caltech Library Service

Analytical and experimental studies of thermionically emitting electrodes in contact with dense, seeded plasmas

Koester, John K. and Sajben, Miklos and Zukoski, Edward E. (1970) Analytical and experimental studies of thermionically emitting electrodes in contact with dense, seeded plasmas. In: Engineering Aspects of Magnetohydrodynamics. , Pasadena, CA, pp. 54-60. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20101220-133221838

[img] PDF - Published Version
See Usage Policy.

474kB

Use this Persistent URL to link to this item: https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20101220-133221838

Abstract

Interactions are considered between a moving, alkali-metal seeded, dense plasma and a metallic electrode whose surface properties are influenced by the absorption of seed particles. The plasma behavior is governed by a set of differential equations, which are coupled to the surface through the boundary conditions. These conditions are obtained by utilizing the particle desorption rate expressions of Levine and Gyftopoulos. The solution of the problem yields the state of the surface as well as the spatial distribution of plasma properties. In particular, electrode voltage drops are predicted, which indicate whether the electrode operates in a thermionic or arc mode. The method has been applied to a potassiwn-seeded argon plasma in contact with a tungsten electrode in a stagnation flow geometry. The results show that the plasma - surface interaction may lead to large electrode currents at moderate voltage drops. These currents can be up to an order of magnitude greater than what the random electron current would be at the surface under conditions of perfect thermodynamic equilibrium at the surface temperature. R.esults of a comparable experiment show reasonably good agreement with the theory.


Item Type:Book Section
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://www.osti.gov/energycitations/product.biblio.jsp?osti_id=4601156OtherUNSPECIFIED
Additional Information:© 1970. Supported in part by the U. S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Contract AF 49(638)-1285.
Group:Guggenheim Jet Propulsion Center
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Air Force Office of Scientific ResearchAF 49 (638)-1285
Other Numbering System:
Other Numbering System NameOther Numbering System ID
Guggenheim Jet Propulsion CenterUNSPECIFIED
OSTI ID4601156
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20101220-133221838
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20101220-133221838
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:21445
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Ruth Sustaita
Deposited On:04 Jan 2011 18:19
Last Modified:03 Oct 2019 02:24

Repository Staff Only: item control page