Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

5-21-1971

Abstract

The self-focusing of partially neutralized relativistic electron streams {Bennett pinch) is briefly discussed, and analytic solutions for idealized sets of conditions are reviewed.

A computer code for the numerical simulation of the drifting of a relativistic electron stream through an initially neutral gas, with the concurrent production and motion of ions and secondary electrons, is discussed in detail. The simulation conditions are restricted to (1) electron streams whose transverse momentum is small compared with their longitudinal momentum, and (2) low gas pressures, where the background plasma current and current density are low compared with the injected current. Only those electromagnetic field components associated with static charge distributions and charge distributions in uniform motion are considered, i.e., radiation and induction fields are not included.

Computed results are given for a 2. 0-MeV, 17-kA, O. 055-m radius electron stream with a nonuniform radial current distribution, injected into nitrogen gas at pressures ranging from 0. 001 and 0. 10 Torr. The computed results compare favorably with experimental results of Graybill and Nablo obtained under similar conditions. Space-and time-resolved secondary electron and ion number densities and velocities are obtained from the computations.

A listing of the computer code and a description of the input data follow the text.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Nuclear Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Nuclear Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Willis Lynn Everett

Second Committee Member

Douglas Venable

Third Committee Member

Jack E. Boers

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