Particle-in-Cell Simulations Examining AK Gap Closure Mechanisms in the Pinch Reflex Diode

Gap closure mechanisms in the pinch reflex diode are studied using cylindrical, two-dimensional, fully kinetic, electromagnetic, particle-in-cell simulations. The key physical dimensions in the model are based on the Mercury accelerator at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. Simulation results agree well with theoretically predicted currents and impedances as well as with experimental values. The effects of cathode plasma formation with various desorption rates are studied. Also examined are different cathode plasma species including H, H2, N2, H2O, and C. While the presence of heavier plasma species results in lower ion current production, total diode current and voltage are not impacted. Charge exchange between neutral H2 and H2+ yields a decrease in ion current but does not result in a decreased anode-cathode gap. In the short-pulse limit studied here, charge exchange is not found to be a dominating factor in pinch reflex diode impedance collapse.

Name thesis:degree_name

Electrical Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Year

2016

Author dc:creator

• Madrid, Elizabeth

Contributors dc:contributor

• Schamiloglu, Edl
• Gilmore, Mark
• Lehr, Jane

• particle-in-cell
• pinch reflex diode

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/ece_etds/165

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalrepository.unm.edu:ece_etds-1164