Simple equations are used to infer approximate values of the major parameters of an unusual plasma which was used by Rashleigh and Marshall to accelerate 3‐g macroparticles to high velocities (5.9 km/s). Subject to the assumptions made here, these results indicate that for the applied current of 300 kA and generated pressure of 1.1×108 N/m2, the temperature of the ionized copper plasma was 4413 kK and the electron number density was (81)×1025 m−3. It is recommended that future experiments of this type should incorporate instrumentation techniques which can provide direct experimental evidence on these parameters.
REFERENCES
1.
2.
J. P. Barber, Aeroballistic Range Association 1973 Meeting, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Tennesee (unpublished).
3.
M. N. Saha and H. K. Saha, A Treatise on Modern Physics (Indian Press Ltd., Allahabad and Calcutta, 1934), Vol. I.
4.
5.
R. A. Marshall (private communication).
6.
It is possible that some mass loss may occur as a result of ablation during the 0.002‐sec acceleration period while the high‐temperature, high‐pressure plasma is in contact with the back of the projectile. However, post‐acceleration photographs of successful launches show relatively intact projectiles, so that this effect has been neglected here.
7.
J. P. Barber (private communication).
8.
J. Strachen (private communication).
9.
A. B. Cambel, Plasma Physics and Magnetofluidynamics (McGraw‐Hill, New York, 1963), p. 140.
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© 1980 American Institute of Physics.
1980
American Institute of Physics
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