Magnetic Spring Device

TL;DR

This paper introduces a magnetic spring device that stores magnetic energy and rapidly releases it to generate high-speed plasma flows, with potential applications in fusion and plasma guns.

Contribution

It proposes a novel magnetic spring momentum injector that differs from traditional plasma guns by storing magnetic energy beforehand, expanding operational parameters.

Findings

Enables rapid plasma acceleration on Alfvenic timescales.

Broadens the parameter space for plasma momentum injection.

Potential applications in fusion and rail gun technologies.

Abstract

A cylindrical system is proposed that will store magnetic energy in a localized azimuthal field that can then be quickly released on Alfvenic timescales, accompanied by the formation of a flowing Z-pinch plasma. The magnetized plasma is MHD in character and will have unilateral axial momentum with Alfvenic speeds. Conventional plasma gun injectors (Marshall type) have a limited parameter space of operation. The "magnetic spring" momentum injector differs from Marshall guns in that it has an already stored strong magnetic field before release. The resulting parameter space is much broader. There are possible applications to momentum injectors for fusion and to plasma and rail guns.