How Does Compressing Fully Ionized Gas Accelerate Ions to High Energies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanisms by which a fully ionized gas, when compressed, can accelerate electrons and ions to high energies, specifically in the context of a magnetic field and potential configurations. The scope includes theoretical exploration of acceleration mechanisms, magnetic field interactions, and related equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that compressing fully ionized gas in a magnetic field could lead to acceleration of electrons and ions to MeV energies, with a temperature around 100 eV.
  • There is a question about how a magnetic field can cause acceleration during compression, and what the relevant equations might be for this scenario.
  • Some participants inquire whether the phenomenon relates to a Z-pinch, suggesting that a moving magnetic field can manifest as an electric field in different reference frames.
  • One participant speculates that a time-varying magnetic field could produce an electric field that accelerates the ions, seeking clarification on how magnetic pressure contributes to this effect.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for a clear description of the experimental setup to facilitate understanding and discussion.
  • There is mention of a ring-type current and its implications for magnetic and electric fields, with a request for further explanation on current density variations and their effects.
  • Some participants question whether the discussion pertains to designing a plasma engine, while others clarify that the focus is on understanding the underlying physics rather than design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with concepts like Z-pinches and the specific mechanisms of acceleration, leading to multiple competing views and unresolved questions regarding the physical explanations and mathematical formulations.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for precise definitions and setups to discuss the phenomena accurately, indicating potential limitations in the current understanding and assumptions made in the discussion.

naviakam
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Fully ionized gas, if compressed to a cylinder of mm scale, collapses rapidly and accelerates the e/ions to very high energies (MeV). The temperature in the compressed gas is around 100 eV.
What could be the possible acceleration mechanism?
 
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Let me re-write it as:
Ionized gas (as a result of kV potential), if compressed (by magnetic field) to a mm cylinder, collapses rapidly and accelerates the e/ions to MeV.
What could be the possible acceleration mechanism?
 
The question is how a magnetic field, while compresses the ions, cause acceleration? How the related equation could be written for such condition?
 
Are you asking about a Z-pinch?
What's a moving magnetic field in one reference frame is an electric field in another.
 
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mfb said:
Are you asking about a Z-pinch?
What's a moving magnetic field in one reference frame is an electric field in another.
I don't know about "Z-pinch"?
Just interested to know (with BSc phys knowledge):
Isn’t it possible that time varying magnetic field surrounding ions, produces an electric field that accelerates the enclosed ions? And write down the equation!
In other word, how magnetic pressure produces electric field to energize the ions enclosed?
 
naviakam said:
I don't know about "Z-pinch"?
Wikipedia has an article about it. I even linked to the article.

Before there is any chance to answer your question you need to clearly describe the setup you think about. Hand-waving around isn't sufficient.
 
mfb said:
Wikipedia has an article about it. I even linked to the article.

Before there is any chance to answer your question you need to clearly describe the setup you think about. Hand-waving around isn't sufficient.
I found this explanation in an article that probably describe what I am looking for but ask to help me to understand it:
1612199292539.png

There are a few points here:
It's a ring type current, I(r).
Current density variation means that the current at each r has a different value.
If these two are correct then what does it mean that 1. the current variation toward axis results in a magnetic field 2. variation in r direction yields azimuthal magnetic field (theta) and axial electric field (z).
 
Are you trying to design a plasma engine?
 
jedishrfu said:
Are you trying to design a plasma engine?
Not designing anything, just to understand which approach defines the condition and physically could be explained.
 

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