Temperature sheaths on probes or electrodes in MHD plasmas

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Abstract
In high-pressure plasmas such as occur in MHD experiments, a severe limitation in current conduction is imposed by the boundary layers on electrodes. Steep temperature gradients near the cathode surface cause ion depletion which is a critical factor in the formation of the electrostatic cathode sheath. The depth of such temperature sheaths as defined by the temperature gradient at the cathode surface depends on temperature drop between the bulk plasma and the surface as well as on the plasma chemistry and to a lesser extent on flow velocity. A simple model for the closely interdependent temperature and electrostatic sheaths is set up. Experimental results confirm conclusions derived from the model in particular the small depth (<0.1 mm) involved.

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