Physics
Scientific paper
May 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001agusm..sh22a08h&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Spring Meeting 2001, abstract #SH22A-08
Physics
7513 Coronal Mass Ejections, 7831 Laboratory Studies
Scientific paper
A large-area planar coaxial gun has been constructed in order to elucidate the physics of magnetic helicity injection during spheromak formation. This process likely shares common magnetic dynamics with solar coronal phenomena found in active regions and sunspot groups. In our experiment, visible light emission is imaged with fast, multiple-frame CCD cameras (up to 16 images per plasma shot). These image sequences show discrete regions of bright emission (corresponding to gas injection locations) shaped like "flux ropes" twisting, expanding, and coalescing to form an axisymmetric-looking plasma configuration. Features of the final plasma configuration are dependent on the initial vacuum "bias flux" (potential magnetic field). Weakest values of bias flux result in a plasma which detaches from the electrodes and propagates away near the estimated Alfven speed. Intermediate values of bias flux result in a well-defined central column which then exhibits a strong nonlinear kink-like perturbation. Strong values of bias flux result in a plasma that remains firmly anchored to the electrodes. Quantitative diagnostics, such as a magnetic probe array, a triple Langmuir probe, and laser-induced fluorescence, are being implemented in order to reveal details of the plasma dynamics, including the role of reconnection and non-axisymmetric instabilities during spheromak formation. Possible application of our results to coronal phenomena will be discussed.
Bellan Paolo
Hsu Stephen
No associations
LandOfFree
Studies of Spheromak Formation Using a Planar Coaxial Gun does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Studies of Spheromak Formation Using a Planar Coaxial Gun, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Studies of Spheromak Formation Using a Planar Coaxial Gun will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1274015