Investigation of tungsten surface changes after interaction with dense plasma streams compared with the results given by a simple 1D model

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, plasma–target interactions on tungsten samples, carried out in a Mather-type plasma focus PF-1000 device, were investigated. The experimental results have been compared to 1D model computer simulations. Samples were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam microscopy and precise measurements of weight loss. Additionally, simulations based on the numerical solution of a 1D heat conductivity equation were carried out. The samples exhibited relatively high resistance to the generated plasma streams. The practical work indicated a loss of about 1.54 mg per plasma focus discharge. The computer model calculations gave a weight loss one magnitude greater. An attempt to explain this discrepancy is given in the paper.