A technique for importing an arbitrary distribution of mass and magnetic field from an MHD code into a PIC code.
Abstract
The current understanding of plasma opening switch (POS) operation is as follows. During the conduction phase the switch plasma is redistributed by MHD forces. This redistribution of mass leads to the formation of a low density region in the switch where a 1-3 mm gap in the plasma is believed to form as the switch opens and magnetic energy is transferred between the primary storage inductor and the load. The processes of gap formation and power delivery are not very well understood. It is generally accepted that the assumptions of MHD theory are not valid during the gap formation and power delivery processes because electron inertia and the lack of space-charge neutrality are expected to play a key role. To study non-MHD processes during the gap formation process and power delivery phase of the POS, we have developed a technique for importing an arbitrary state of an MHD code into the PIC code MAGIC. At present the plasma kinetic pressure is ignored during the initialization of particles. Work supported by Defense Nuclear Agency. ^ JAYCOR, Vienna, VA 22102. ^ NRL-NRC Research Associate.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 1996
- Bibcode:
- 1996APS..DPP..1P36S