Argon and Xenon Plasma Energy Analysis in a Pulsed Inductive Test Article

Energy distribution results from pulsed inductive discharges in Argon and Xenon are presented. Calculations are based on a series RLC circuit analysis of the Missouri Plasmoid Experiment in vacuum and plasma. Initial results show an energy deficit of 16.3 J and 15.9 J for Argon and Xenon, respectfully, for a 10 mTorr pre-fill with 79.5 J initial stored energy. At 100 mTorr, the deficits increased to 21.1 J and 21.6 J, respectfully. Magnetic field topography is measured using an array of eleven Ḃ probes distributed uniformly over the longitudinal axis. A peak vacuum magnetic field of 36.2 mT is observed. Increases in magnetic field magnitude as high as 36.2% is observed near the wall after plasma formation. Nomenclature A = area [m] Ḃ = magnetic field [T] C = capacitance [F] E = energy [J] I = current [A] Isp = specific impulse [s] l = length [m] L = inductance [H] me = mass of an electron [kg] μ0 = permeability of free space [H·m−1] n = number of turns q = elementary charge [C] R = resistance [Ω] rg = gyroradius [m] t, τ = time [s] V = voltage [V] v⊥ = perpendicular velocity [m/s] V– = volume [m] ω = angular frequency [s−1] ∗Graduate Student, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, [email protected], Toomey Hall, 400 W. 13th St., Rolla, MO, 65409-0500, and AIAA Student Member. †Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, [email protected], Toomey Hall, 400 W. 13th St., Rolla, MO, 65409-0500, and AIAA Senior Member. 1 The 33rd International Electric Propulsion Conference, The George Washington University, USA October 6–10, 2013