Title :
Image of a gaseous discharge in microgravity
Author :
Dempsey, Donna L. ; Glover, Timothy W. ; Kurt, Cindy M. ; Koelfgen, Syri J. ; Smayling, George M. ; Smith, Ken A.
Author_Institution :
Southwest Res. Inst., San Antonio, TX, USA
fDate :
2/1/1999 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The electrode gap length of a gaseous discharge in a low-pressure 1 g environment is compared with its length in a low-pressure microgravity environment for pressures ranging from 30 kPa to atmospheric pressure. The maximum gap length obtained is measured for both conditions using three separate gases. Video images of the discharge in microgravity make apparent both the lack of gravity-induced convection, which gives rise to the arching of the 1 g discharge, and the increase in gap length
Keywords :
discharges (electric); plasma diagnostics; zero gravity experiments; 30 kPa to 1 atm; electrode gap length; gaseous discharge; low-pressure environment; microgravity; video images; Airplanes; Atmospheric measurements; Electrodes; Engine cylinders; Gases; Gravity; Length measurement; NASA; Plasma measurements; Power transformer insulation;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
