Abstract
Results are presented from experiments on the explosion of 30.5-μm tungsten wires at a current density of up to 140 MA/cm2 and resistive-heating time of 40-100 ns. The experiments were performed both with and without preheating of wires and at different polarities of the high-voltage electrode. The effect of plasma production at the electrodes on the initiation of breakdown along the exploding wire was investigated by using a frame camera. It is shown that, when the polarity of the high-voltage electrode is positive, breakdown begins with the formation of a bright spot on the wire surface near the cathode, whereas at the negative polarity, breakdown begins with the formation of bright spots on the cathode surface. A comparative analysis of the main characteristics of wire explosions is performed. It is shown that preheating of the conductor increases the resistive-heating time and, accordingly, the energy deposited in the wire core. This effect takes place during explosions of both single wires and wire arrays. The evolution of the state of a metal during the explosion (including melting and evaporation) is studied by one-dimensional simulations by using a semiempirical equation of state describing the properties of tungsten over a wide range of parameters.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 823-835 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Plasma Physics Reports |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)