Xenon shock waves driven by high magnetic field
Abstract
It is shown that magnetic fields in the range 0.2 to 2.0 MG produce shocks in 0.1 to 1.0 atmosphere xenon gas which have shock Mach numbers as high as 100. The velocity, compression and luminosity using pulsed X-ray and other diagnostics were studied. In some of the experiments, ultraviolet radiation from the shocked xenon produced luminous precursors and interactions with the metal walls of the shock tube. The addition of an ultraviolet absorbing organic impurity vapor diminished the amplitude of these effects. A clean, chemically inert metal wall is even more effective. Further experiments show that magnetic shear has a stabilizing effect on the current-carrying layer of the shocked gas. It is concluded that a megagauss magnetic field is a useful shock tube driver for producing high velocity shock waves.
- Publication:
-
Presented at 2nd Intern. Conf. on Megasus Magnetic Field Generation and Related Topics
- Pub Date:
- May 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979mmfg.confR....S
- Keywords:
-
- Magnetic Fields;
- Shock Tubes;
- Shock Waves;
- Xenon;
- Shock Wave Interaction;
- Ultraviolet Radiation;
- Communications and Radar