MHD flow control for plasma technology applications

Investigation of MHD Impact on Argon Plasma Flows by Variation of Magnetic Flux Density

“…by Macheret et al [1], whereas the product of the electron and ion Hall parameter e i is negligible within the examined argon plasma flows. The electrical conductivity of the plasma is represented by , L is the characteristic length of the MHD system.…”

“…The IRS probe body has a diameter of 50 mm which justifies the introduction of the radius for the characteristic length in equation (1). Due the overall diameter of 50 mm the probe belongs to the so-called European standard.…”

“…Flow parameters of the incoming flow are given through the density and the velocity v. It is commonly known that for St > 1 a definite MHD impact on the plasma flow can be observed. Analysis of existing and well-characterized MHD systems even show that with St in the order of magnitude of 10 -1 impacts can already be noted [1]. As can be derived from this formula, the easiest way to increase the impact is to apply a stronger magnetic field.…”

“…Magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) effects are present in many plasma processes used at the Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme [1]. Therefore, these MHD effects are studied on a basic research level.…”

“…For this purpose, several plasma wind tunnels equipped with different types of plasma generators were built in order to cover the entire trajectory envelope of a space craft entering the atmosphere of a celestial body. In addition, basic investigations in the field of plasma radiation, material behavior and thermochemistry can be performed [1].…”