Non-Equilibrium Ionization in a Potassium Gas Mhd Device

摘要

A theoretical and experimental study of the plasma properties and fluid mechanisms of an annular magnetohydrodynamic generator operated in the Hall mode and driven by potassium gas is described. Nonequilibrium ionization is observed but is accompanied by concentration of current into streamers in the generator and reduction in the expected Hall voltage. As a consequence, the generator efficiency is reduced to zero. (Author)