The operation of a single-electrode coaxial plasma gun

Abstract

The operation of a coaxial-type plasma gun with the central electrode replaced by a pinched gas column was studied by high-speed photography and magnetic probes. It was found that the discharge was unstable after approximately 1.5 μs. and that the plasma slug was not accelerated by the current after this time. Parametric studies indicated that the plasma slug was contaminated with impurities from the insulating back wall of the device.