Title :
Optimization of an electrothermal capillary
Author :
Kennaugh, R.J. ; Woods, L.C.
Author_Institution :
Math. Inst., Oxford Univ., UK
Abstract :
This paper describes a simple, integrated model of an electrothermal capillary and the electric circuit powering it. An isothermal, time-dependent model has been developed, allowing for axial variations in the pressure and including the influence of the exploding wire on the early stages of the discharge. Predictions from the model are in good agreement with experimental results. The advantage of the model is that it yields a set of ordinary differential equations, readily solved numerically, and it is therefore easily adapted to optimization problems. Here we use it to optimize capillary geometry and to explore different arrangements of the electrical input.<>
Keywords :
differential equations; electrothermal launchers; exploding wires; optimisation; plasma devices; plasma jets; plasma production; capillary geometry; electric circuit; electrical input; electrothermal capillary; electrothermal launcher; exploding wire; high velocity plasma jet production; isothermal time-dependent model; optimization; ordinary differential equations; Circuits; Differential equations; Electrodes; Electrothermal effects; Geometry; Isothermal processes; Plasma devices; Plasma temperature; Switches; Wire;
Journal_Title :
Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on