Localization of the magnetic field in a plasma flow in laboratory simulations of astrophysical jets at the KPF-4-PHOENIX installation

The results of experiments aimed at investigating axial plasma flows forming during the compression of a current–plasma sheath are presented. These experiments were carried out at the KPF-4-PHOENIX plasma-focus installation, as part of a program of laboratory simulations of astrophysical jets. The plasma flows were generated in a discharge when the chamber was filled with the working gas (argon) at initial pressures of 0.5–2 Torr. Experimental data obtained using a magnetic probe and optical diagnostics are compared. The data obtained can be used to determine the location of trapped magnetic field relative to regions of intense optical glow in the plasma flow.     

Laboratory Modeling of the Rotation of Jets Ejected from Young Stellar Objects at Studies the Azimuthal Structure of an Axial Jet at the PF-3 Facility

Astronomy Reports - The paper presents the results of experiments for studying the dynamics and internal structure of an axial plasma jet at the PF-3 facility. Measurements of the azimuthal...     

Properties of the distribution of azimuthal magnetic field in a plasma flow during laboratory simulations of astrophysical jets in a plasma-focus installation

The results of laboratory simulations of astrophysical jets are presented. Plasma flows generated in the PF-3 plasma-focus installation of the NRC “Kurchatov Institute” and propagating to distances substantially exceeding their transverse dimensions are studied. It is shown usingmagnetic probes that the plasma flow propagates with a frozen-in magnetic field. The resulting radial distribution of the azimuthal magnetic field corresponds well to the distribution created by a longitudinal current of ~10 kA flowing in a region with a radius of 1–2 cm near the axis. Structures associated with return currents are observed at the periphery of the flow. The magnetic field decays rapidly as the flow propagates along the axis. Nevertheless, the leading lobe of the plasma flow is preserved to substantial distances in a neon discharge, possibly due to radiative cooling of the plasma.