Mechanism of Wire Explosion Plasma Acceleration in Strong Axial Magnetic Field

摘要

In previous wire explosion experiments significant rise of plasma expansion speed is registered when strong axial magnetic field (50 T) is applied. Sharp drop of media conductivity takes place in peripheral area because of density decrease. It is shown in this work that the conductivity drop is the main cause of plasma acceleration. During plasma expansion in axial field azimuthal current is induced. In plasma layer losing conductivity takes place azimuthal current energy release. As a result, pressure shock is formed and low-density external plasma layer is accelerated.