Large-Signal Behavior of a Parametric Magnetogasdynamic Generator

摘要

The large-signal behavior of a parametric magnetogasdynamic generator consisting of a cylindrical coil with batches of highly conducting plasma traveling along the coil axis is considered. In this limit, the gas behavior is strongly affected by the magnetic forces. The purpose of the work is to determine: (i) whether the requirements for the conductivity and velocity of the gas that are found for small-signal behavior are relaxed because of any enhancing mechanism during the interaction; (ii) what fraction of the gas power could be extracted as useful electrical power, that is, the over-all generator efficiency; (iii) how the interaction between the field and the gas leads to gas behavior that limits the growth of the parametric oscillations so that a stable operating point is reached; (iv) an estimate of the minimum size and power of a generator with present technology; and (v) the factors that control the scaling of the parametric generator. (Author)