E -Layer trapping in astron by resistor interaction: Theory and experiment

The interaction of a moving $E$ layer with the resistor structures that line the walls of the Livermore astron apparatus are studied theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that for a weak interaction no change in mean layer radius results from the energy loss in the resistors. Using the approximation of a long thin layer in axisymmetric geometry, curves are given for calculating the energy dissipated in the resistors per meter traveled or, equivalently, the axial force on the moving layer. Results of experiments are reported showing transport of the incoming layer in the astron tank and trapping in the magnetic mirrors. Measurements of the damping of $E$ ‐layer axial motion in several resistor geometrics show typical damping times of 0.5 $\mu \sec$ . Comparison of experiment and theory show agreement within about a factor of 2.