Structure of the pulsed plasma jet

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Abstract
The flow characteristics of a pulsed plasma jet have been studied using streak and conventional (time-resolved) photography of the luminous plasma jet. The nature and placement of the shock structure observed in these photographs is that expected of under-expanded jet flow. Direct measurements of the gas pressures at the nozzle of the cavity (made using an optical technique) are in good agreement with those calculated from the observed shock structure. A second set of pressure measurements, of the stagnation pressure throughout the jet, shows good agreement with the calculated pressure behind the bow shock which is located at the front of the expanding jet. On the basis of these results, a simple model of jet penetration is proposed in which the jet 'tunnels' its way into the dense surrounding air. The implications of this model, in view of its similarities to other well studied phenomena such as astrophysical jets, are discussed in terms of the turbulence created by the jet, a factor which could be most significant when such jets are used as igniters.

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