Study of Momentum and Energy of Plasma Flow Generated in Plasma Focus Discharge

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the study of the plasma flows generated in the plasma focus discharge at the PF-3 facility at its propagation in the ambient medium up to distances of ~100 cm and, in particular, the study of the dynamics of such important parameters as velocity, total energy, and momentum. Momentum and energy measurements were made using a ballistic pendulum, which could be used simultaneously in the calorimeter mode. Optical collimators are used to measure the flow velocity. It is shown that, in experiments with argon at a distance of 65 cm, the energy density of the incident flow of ≥10 J/cm² is observed. The total number of particles in the flow and the total mass of the flow are calculated.