Electrical output from closed loop MPD experiment using auxiliary ionization

Abstract

The paper describes measurements of the gas conductivity in an MPD generator at a gas temperature of 1000°K. Helium seeded with cesium was ionized by a d.c. electrical arc which increased the conductivity by four orders of magnitude above the thermal equilibrium value. In the presence of a magnetic field an open circuit voltage of 62V was measured compared to 65V theoretical and a maximum short circuit current of 0·03A. The resulting V-I curve was linear indicating that no enhancement due to magnetically induced ionization occurred.