Title :
High efficiency electrothermal accelerator
Author :
Shcolnikov, E.Ya. ; Chebotarev, A.V. ; Kulikov, Yu.A. ; Melnik, A.V. ; Volkov, S.V.
Author_Institution :
Moscow Eng. Phys. Inst., Russia
Abstract :
Electrothermal accelerators were studied for the purpose of their application for pellet-injection in Tokamaks. Two theoretical models were developed. The first is based on magnetic hydrodynamics equations, the second is based on isobar approximation. Numerical calculations have shown there was a maximum in the curve of the total efficiency versus discharge region length, the value of the maximum being equal to 20% and higher. Experimental investigations carried out with the capacitive store element which stores 100 kJ of energy confirmed the theoretical figure for 2-15 g mass projectiles. The value of efficiency defined as the ratio of projectile kinetic energy to energy deposited into discharge was about 30%. The drastic drop of the discharge peak current was observed, so there is a possibility to increase the accelerator life time.<>
Keywords :
Tokamak devices; capacitor storage; electrothermal launchers; plasma guns; plasma magnetohydrodynamics; projectiles; 100 kJ; 2 to 15 g; Tokamaks; capacitive store element; discharge; discharge peak current; discharge region length; energy deposition; high efficiency electrothermal accelerator; isobar approximation; magnetic hydrodynamics equations; pellet-injection; projectile kinetic energy; projectiles; Acceleration; Electrothermal effects; Fault location; Plasma accelerators; Plasma density; Plasma materials processing; Plasma sources; Plasma temperature; Projectiles; Surface discharges;
Journal_Title :
Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on
