Quantitative schlieren techniques applied to high current arc investigations.

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Optical diagnostics
• Fluid dynamics

Background:

• Pulsed high current electric arcs generate complex plasma phenomena.
• Quantitative analysis of arc properties requires advanced diagnostic techniques.
• Existing methods often rely on approximations limiting accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply and advance quantitative schlieren techniques for electric arc analysis.
• To develop a novel Abel inversion formalism for improved accuracy.
• To enable precise measurements of arc plasma density and temperature.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new Abel inversion formalism without small angle approximation.
• Implementation of rigorous numerical treatment for experimental data.
• Construction of a high-intensity pulsed argon laser for arc illumination.
• Utilization of high-speed schlieren imaging.

Main Results:

• A new, non-approximated Abel inversion method was derived.
• Experimental data processing techniques were refined for quantitative analysis.
• A powerful pulsed argon laser was successfully employed for arc imaging.
• Quantitative density and temperature data were obtained near the arc.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative schlieren techniques are effective for pulsed arc diagnostics.
• The new Abel inversion formalism enhances measurement accuracy.
• The developed methods provide valuable insights into arc plasma characteristics.