Author Information

Christopher LambFollow

Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?

Faculty

group

What campus are you from?

Daytona Beach

Authors' Class Standing

Senior in Aerospace engineering

Lead Presenter's Name

Christopher Lamb

Faculty Mentor Name

Byonghon Seo

Abstract

Presented is a method to observe magnetic field characteristics in a three-dimensional volume as well as high frequency waves generated by a pulsed plasma source. This source will produce a plasma jet that exhibits instabilities and magnetic reconnection [1] inside Embry-Riddle’s two meter long, cylindrical plasma chamber. Magnetic reconnection is a process by which a portion of magnetic field energy is transferred into kinetic or thermal energy of plasma [1]. By observing the topology of the magnetic field at distinct locations over many pulses with the magnetic probe array, a three-dimensional vector space can be constructed for the plasma as it evolves over time. The magnetic field observations will be performed with a calibrated magnetic field probe array (MPA) as described in reference [2]. Design and calibration methodology for the high frequency array is motivated from instruments described in reference [3], although key differences are present. By interpreting these data over system parameter variations, the construction of an empirical model will be suggested for the plasma behavior, and heating of the plasma jet will be studied. This study will investigate fundamental plasma physics and applications, such as the drivers and patterns of reconnection and may lead to improved fusion energy generation and pulsed plasma propulsion.

Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.

No

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Study of a High-Power, Pulsed Plasma Jet with a Magnetic Probe Array and High Frequency Wave Probe

Presented is a method to observe magnetic field characteristics in a three-dimensional volume as well as high frequency waves generated by a pulsed plasma source. This source will produce a plasma jet that exhibits instabilities and magnetic reconnection [1] inside Embry-Riddle’s two meter long, cylindrical plasma chamber. Magnetic reconnection is a process by which a portion of magnetic field energy is transferred into kinetic or thermal energy of plasma [1]. By observing the topology of the magnetic field at distinct locations over many pulses with the magnetic probe array, a three-dimensional vector space can be constructed for the plasma as it evolves over time. The magnetic field observations will be performed with a calibrated magnetic field probe array (MPA) as described in reference [2]. Design and calibration methodology for the high frequency array is motivated from instruments described in reference [3], although key differences are present. By interpreting these data over system parameter variations, the construction of an empirical model will be suggested for the plasma behavior, and heating of the plasma jet will be studied. This study will investigate fundamental plasma physics and applications, such as the drivers and patterns of reconnection and may lead to improved fusion energy generation and pulsed plasma propulsion.

 

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