Limiting Velocity for a Rotating Plasma

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Abstract
A quasi‐steady state solution has been obtained for a homogeneous plasma undergoing simultaneous ionization and rotation in a crossed electric‐magnetic field. It was found that the ordinary electron‐impact ionization process, when supported by the full rate of energy transfer from the ions to the electrons via Coulomb collisions, will be sufficiently rapid to provide a close coupling between the kinetic energy of the ions and the ionization energy of the neutrals under a wide range of conditions. The results can be used to interpret the limiting velocity observed by Alfvén and Fahleson in some recent rotating plasma experiments. The same results can also be used to predict the occurrence of similar limiting velocity in some rectilinear plasma accelerators.

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