US 3,939,816 AGranted

Gas filled coaxial accelerator with compression coil

AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of General Counsel-Code GP

InventorPatrick N. Espy

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Abstract

A self-energized plasma compressor which compresses plasma discharged from coaxial plasma generator. The device includes a helical shaped coil which is coaxially aligned with the center axis of the coaxial plasma generator. The plasma generator creates a current through the helical coil which, in turn, generates a time varying magnetic field that generates a force which acts radially upon the plasma. A seal is carried on the end of the coaxial plasma generator for containing gas therein. As the plasma is accelerated out the outer end of the generator, it forces the gas outwardly also compressing such. Beads are carried adjacent the small end of the helical shaped coil for being accelerated to hypervelocities by the plasma and gas. As a result of utilizing gas in the coaxial plasma generator, such minimizes ablation of the beads as well as accelerates such to higher velocities.

Claims5

Dependent claims

An apparatus for accelerating and compressing plasma comprising:

a. an elongated cylindrical first electrode;
b. a central rod electrode disposed coaxially of said first electrode out of contact therefrom;
c. an electrically conductive element extending between said central rod electrode and an inner end of said first electrode;
d. a plug sealing said inner end of said first electrode;
e. a rupturable seal carried over an outer end of said first electrode;
f. means for inserting gas within said elongated cylindrical first electrode;
g. an elongated electrically conductive helical coil having a large diameter end and a small diameter end;
h. said large diameter end of said helical coil being carried adjacent said outer end of said first electrode and said small diameter end being spaced longitudinally therefrom;
i. means for electrically connecting the small diameter end of said helical coil to said first electrode;
j. means for applying a high voltage to said first electrode and said central rod electrode for causing said electrically conductive element to ionize producing a plasma which is accelerated forcing said gas out of said outer end of said first electrode;
and
k. said helical coil being in axial alignment with said elongated cylindrical first electrode so that a current path is formed between an outer end of said central rod electrode and said helical coil as said plasma is accelerated out the outer end of said first electrode producing current flow through said helical coil, which in turn produces a time varying magnetic field that compresses said plasma and gas adjacent said small diameter end of said coil;
whereby a source of compressed plasma is produced adjacent said small diameter end of said helical coil.

10 more elements

An apparatus for accelerating and compressing plasma comprising:

a. an elongated cylindrical first electrode having open inner and outer ends;
b. a central rod electrode disposed coaxially of said first electrode out of contact therefrom;
c. means for sealing said inner end of said first electrode;
d. an electrically conductive element extending between said central rod electrode and said inner end of said first electrode;
e. an elongated electrically conductive helical coil having a large diameter end and a small diameter end;
f. said large diameter end of said helical coil being carried adjacent but spaced from said outer end of said first electrode and said small diameter end being spaced longitudinally therefrom;
g. a sealed housing having a chamber therein encompassing said outer end of said cylindrical first electrode and said helical coil;
h. means for inserting gas within said elongated first electrode and said chamber in said sealed housing;
i. means for applying a high voltage to said first electrode and said central rod electrode for causing said electrically conductive element to ionize producing a plasma which is accelerated forcing said gas out of said outer end of said first electrode, and
j. said helical coil being in axially alignment with said elongated cylindrical first electrode so that a current path is formed between an outer end of said central rod electrode and said helical coil as said plasma is accelerated out the outer end of said first electrode producing current flow through said helical coil, which in turn produces a time varying magnetic field that compresses said plasma and gas adjacent said small diameter end of said coil;
whereby a source of compressed plasma is produced adjacent said small diameter end of said helical coil.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.