Plasma and Magnetic-Field Dynamics in Conduction Phase of Opening Switch

Abstract

Self-consistent plasma and magnetic-field dynamics in the plasma-opening-switch conduction phase is considered within the framework of 1-D single-fluid magnetohydrodynamics. The profiles of plasma-flow parameters and magnetic field in the switch current channel, depending on plasma conductivity, are obtained. An analytical solution for the magnetic-field profile in the current channel is presented. The energy partition in the current channel is calculated. The issue of plasma conductivity during the magnetic-field pulse is discussed.Index Terms-Current channel, energy partitioning, magneticfield distribution, plasma opening switch, shock wave.