Performance of pulsed plasma thruster at low discharge energy

As the size of satellites scales down, low-power and compact propulsion systems such as the pulsed plasma thruster(PPT) are needed for stabilizing these miniature satellites in orbit. Most PPT systems are operated at 2 J or more of discharge energy. In this work, the performance of a PPT with a side-fed, tongue-flared electrode configuration operated within a lower discharge energy range of 0.5-2.5 J has been investigated. Ablation and charring of the polytetrafluoroethylene propellant surface were analyzed through field-effect scanning electron microscopy imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. When the discharge energy fell below 2 J, inconsistencies occurred in the specific impulse and the thrust efficiency due to the measurement of the low mass bit. At energy ≥2 J, the performance parameters are compared with other PPT systems of similar configuration and discussed in depth.

Pulsed gas–liquid discharge plasma catalytic degradation of bisphenol A over graphene/Cd S:process parameters optimization and O_(3)activation mechanism analysis

In the present work,pulsed gas–liquid hybrid discharge plasma coupled with graphene/Cd S catalyst was evaluated to eliminate bisphenol A(BPA)in wastewater.The optimization of a series of process parameters was performed in terms of BPA degradation performance.The experimental results demonstrated that nearly 90%of BPA(20 mg l^(-1))in the synthetic wastewater(p H=7.5,σ=10μS m^(-1))was degraded by the plasma catalytic system over 0.2 g l^(-1)graphene/Cd S at 19k V with a 4 l min^(-1)air flow rate and 10 mm electrode gap within 60 min.The BPA removal rate increased with increasing the discharge voltage and decreasing the initial BPA concentration or solution conductivity.Nevertheless,either too high or too low an air flow rate,electrode gap,catalyst dosage or initial solution p H would lead to a decrease in BPA degradation.Moreover,optical emission spectroscopy was used to gain information on short-lived reactive species formed from the pulsed gas–liquid hybrid discharge plasma system.The results indicated the existence of several highly oxidative free radicals such as·O and·OH.Finally,the activation pathway of O_(3)on the catalyst surface was analyzed by density functional theory.

Flow control performance evaluation of a tri-electrode sliding discharge plasma actuator

Tri-electrode sliding discharge(TED)plasma actuators are formed by adding a direct current(DC)exposed electrode to conventional dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma actuators.There are three TED modes depending on the polarity and amplitude of the DC supply:DBD discharge,extended discharge and sliding discharge.This paper evaluates the electrical,aerodynamic and mechanical characteristics of a TED plasma actuator based on energy analysis,particle image velocimetry experiments and calculations using the Navier-Stokes equation.The flow control performances of different discharge modes are quantitatively analyzed based on characteristic parameters.The results show that flow control performance in both extended discharge and sliding discharge is more significant than that of DBD,mainly because of the significantly higher(up to 141%)body force of TED compared with DBD.However,conductivity loss is the primary power loss caused by the DC polarity for TED discharge.Therefore,power consumption can be reduced by optimizing the dielectric material and thickness,thus improving the flow control performance of plasma actuators.

Improving the Intermittent Discharge Performance of Mg–Air Battery by Using Oxyanion Corrosion Inhibitor as Electrolyte Additive

A widely used oxyanion corrosion inhibitor（Li2CrO4） was used as electrolyte additive（3.5 wt% Na Cl solution was used as electrolyte solution） for Mg–air battery. The potentiodynamic polarization tests showed that the presence of 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4in the Na Cl electrolyte reduced enormously the corrosion current density of the tested AZ31 Mg alloys.According to the intermittent discharge tests, the use of 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4 as electrolyte additive increased the anode efficiency of the Mg–air battery by 28.4%. The addition of 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4reduced the anode self-corrosion rate of the battery in the intermittent stage effectively. The product film after discharge was observed by scanning electron microscope, and the Mg–air battery containing 0.1 wt% Li2CrO4has a loose product film, which is beneficial to its discharge performance. So using Li2CrO4 as electrolyte additive could improve the intermittent discharge performance of Mg–air battery. And the use of oxyanion corrosion inhibitor as electrolyte additive may be an excellent way to improve the intermittent discharge performance of Mg–air battery.

Artificially triggered lightning and its characteristic discharge parameters in two severe thunderstorms

The lightning-induced-damages in the mid-latitude regions are usually caused during severe thunder-storms. But the discharge parameters of natural lightning are difficult to be measured. Five lightning flashes have been artificially triggered with the rocket-wire technique during the passage of two severe thunderstorms. The discharge current and close electric field of return stroke in artificially triggered lightning have been obtained in microsecond time resolution by using current measuring systems and electric field change sensors. The results show that the five triggered lightning flashes include 1 to 10 return strokes, and the average return stroke current is 11.9 kA with a maximum of 21.0 kA and a mini-mum of 6.6 kA, similar to the subsequent return strokes in natural lightning. The half peak width of the current waveform is 39 μs, which is much larger than the usual result. The peak current of stroke Ip (kA) and the neutralized charge Q(C) has a relationship of Ip = 18.5Q0.65. The radiation field of return stroke is 5.9 kV·m-1 and 0.39 kV·m-1 at 60 m and 550 m, respectively. The radiation field decreases as r -1.119 with increase of horizontal distance r from the discharge channel. Based on the well-accepted transmission line model, the speed of return stroke is estimated to be about 1.4×108 m·s-1, with a variation range of (1.1―1.6)×108 m·s-1. Because of the similarities of the triggered lightning and natural lightning, the results in this article can be used in the protection design of natural lightning.

Effects of external field treatment on the electrochemical behaviors and discharge performance of AZ80 anodes for Mg-air batteries

In this work,the effects of external field treatment on electrochemical behaviors and discharge performance of as-cast Mg-8%Al-0.5%Zn(wt%)anodes for Mg-air batteries are systematically investigated in3.5 wt%Na Cl solution.The external field treatment particularly the variable-frequency ultrasonic field can dramatically refine theα-Mg grains andμphases.The grain size decreases from 1594.8±43μm(untreated billet)to 140.6±15μm after variable-frequency ultrasonic field treatment.The values of open circuit potential,electrochemical activity and corrosion resistance of Mg-8%Al-0.5%Zn anode are improved with external field treatment,which should be attributed to refined grains and dispersiveαphase.The external field treatment especially the variable-frequency ultrasonic field improves stability and the value of cell voltage,and enhances the discharge performance of the Mg-8%Al-0.5%Zn anode.The variable-frequency ultrasonic field treated anode has the best discharge capacity and anodic efficiency at current density of 45 m A cm-2,with the values of 1417 m A h g-1 and 63.3%,respectively.The ultrasonic field vibration changes the dissolution behavior ofα-Mg matrix during the discharge process,showing the oriented surface morphologies.

Experimental Research on Effects of Process Parameters on Servo Scanning 3D Micro Electrical Discharge Machining

Servo scanning 3D micro electrical discharge machining (3D SSMEDM) is a novel and effective method in fabricating complex 3D micro structures with high aspect ratio on conducting materials. In 3D SSMEDM process, the axial wear of tool electrode can be compensated automatically by servo-keeping discharge gap, instead of the traditional methods that depend on experiential models or intermittent compensation. However, the effects of process parameters on 3D SSMEDM have not been reported up until now. In this study, the emphasis is laid on the effects of pulse duration, peak current, machining polarity, track style, track overlap, and scanning velocity on the 3D SSMEDM performances of machining efficiency, processing status, and surface accuracy. A series of experiments were carried out by machining a micro-rectangle cavity (900 μm×600 μm) on doped silicon. The experimental results were obtained as follows. Peak current plays a main role in machining efficiency and surface accuracy. Pulse duration affects obviously the stability of discharge state. The material removal rate of cathode processing is about 3/5 of that of anode processing. Compared with direction-parallel path, contour-parallel path is better in counteracting the lateral wear of tool electrode end. Scanning velocity should be selected moderately to avoid electric arc and short. Track overlap should be slightly less than the radius of tool electrode. In addition, a typical 3D micro structure of eye shape was machined based on the optimized process parameters. These results are beneficial to improve machining stability, accuracy, and efficiency in 3D SSMEDM.

Chemical substances present in discharge water generated by laundry industry:Analytical monitoring

To our knowledge,precise data concerning the pollution in terms of qualitative and quantitative fluctuations in discharge water from the laundry sector have seldom been reported.This study investigated the chemical composition of the discharge water from a laundry industry.Over 160 chemical substances and 15 standard water parameters were monitored.The results showed that the discharge water presented both inorganic and organic polycontamination with a high degree of qualitative and quantitative variability.However,of all monitored substances,only five metals(Al,Cu,Fe,Sr,and Zn),five minerals(P,Ca,K,Na,and S),and alkylphenols were systematically present and quantifiable.For a daily average water flow of 129 m^(3),the released metal flux was 356 g/d.Substances,such as trichloromethane,brominated diphenyl ether(BDE)47,and fluorides,were occasionally found and quantified.Other substances,such as chlorophenols,organo-tins,and pesticides were never identified.All the samples had quantifiable levels in the chemical oxygen demand(COD),biological oxygen demand(BOD),and hydrocarbons.Only the concentrations of Zn(8.3 g/d),Cu(21.4 g/d),and BOD(57.4 g/d)were close to or above the regulatory values:74.0 g/d for Zn,9.0 g/d for Cu,and 57.0 kg/d for BOD.The data obtained from this study are useful to the choice of additional treatments for the reduction of pollutant fluxes.

Efficient hydrophilicity improvement of titanium surface by plasma jet in micro-hollow cathode discharge geometry

Surface hydrophilicity improvement of titanium(Ti)is of great significance for the applications of the important biomaterial.In this study,efficient hydrophilicity on the Ti surface is improved by an air plasma jet generated by a microhollow cathode discharge(MHCD)geometry.Elementary discharge aspects of the plasma jet and surface characteristics of the Ti surface are investigated by varying dissipated power(P_(d)).The results show that the plasma jet can operate in a pulsed mode or a continuous mode,depending on P_(d).The plume length increases with Pdand air flow rate increasing.By optical emission spectroscopy,plasma parameters as a function of Pdare investigated.After plasma treatment,water contact angel(WCA)of the Ti sample decreases to a minimum value of 15°with Pdincreasing.In addition,the surface topography,roughness,and content of chemical composition are investigated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),atomic force microscopy(AFM),and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)with Pdincreasing.The results show that Ti-O bond and O-H group on the Ti surface are beneficial to the improvement of the hydrophilicity of Ti surface.

Numerical investigation on the effect of gas parameters on ozone generation in pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

Pulsed dielectric barrier discharge is a promising technology for ozone generation and is drawing increasing interest. To overcome the drawback of experimental investigation, a kinetic model is applied to numerically investigate the effect of gas parameters including inlet gas temperature, gas pressure, and gas flow rate on ozone generation using pulsed dielectric barrier discharge. The results show that ozone concentration and ozone yield increase with decreasing inlet gas temperature, gas pressure, and gas flow rate. The highest ozone concentration and ozone yield in oxygen are about 1.8 and 2.5 times higher than those in air, respectively. A very interesting phenomenon is observed： the peak ozone yield occurs at a lower ozone concentration when the inlet gas temperature and gas pressure are higher because of the increasing average gas temperature in the discharge gap as well as the decreasing reduced electric field and electron density in the microdischarge channel. Furthermore, the sensitivity and rate of production analysis based on the specific input energy （SIE） for the four most important species 03, O, O（1D）, and O2（b1∑） are executed to quantitatively understand the effects of every reaction on them, and to determine the contribution of individual reactions to their net production or destruction rates. A reasonable increase in SIE is beneficial to ozone generation. However, excessively high S1E is not favorable for ozone production.

Analysis of the Gas Puffing Performance for Improving the Repeatability of Ohmic Discharges in the SUNIST Spherical Tokamak

The gas puffing performance plays a key role in repeatable discharges in the Sino- UNited Spherical Tokamak （SUNIST） experiments. In this paper, temporal evolution of the gas pressure in the vacuum vessel and the dependence of the repeatability of plasma discharges on different timing arrangements between the gas puffing pulse and the Ohmic field have been experimentally investigated. The results show that, after a fast rising phase, the gas pressure becomes quasi-stationary. In the regime of the discharges being started up when the gas pressure has already reached the quasi-stationary state for about 37 ms, an improved repeatability of the plasma discharges is achieved.

Numerical Study on Hydraulic Characteristics and Discharge Capacity of Modified Piano Key Weir with Various Inlet/Outlet Width Ratio

A modified piano key weir with a rounded nose and a parapet wall (MPKW) can improve the discharge capacity significantly compared to a standard piano key weir. However, the optimum of the inlet/outlet width ratio (Wi/Wo) on the discharge efficiency of MPKW is still not investigated numerically. The present work utilized the numerical modeling to investigate and analyze the effects of the inlet/outlet key width ratios on the hydraulic characteristics and discharge capacity of the MPKW. To validate the numerical model with the experimental data, the results indicate that the average relative error is 2.96%, which confirms that the numerical model is fairly well to predictthe specifications of flow over on the MPKW. Numerical simulation results indicated that the discharge capacity of the MPKW can be improved up to 8.5% by optimizing the Wi/Wo ratio ranging from 1.53 to 1.67 even if the other parameters of the MPKW keep unchanged. A big Wi/Wo ratio generally leads to an increase in discharge capacity at low heads and a little effect on the discharge efficiency at high heads. The discharge efficiency of the inlet and outlet crests increases up to 9.6% for high heads, while discharge efficiency of the lateral crest decreases up to 23.5% compared with the reference model. The findings of the study revealed that the intrinsic influencing mechanism of the Wi/Wo ratio on the discharge performance of MPKWs.

Surface performance of workpieces processed by electrical discharge machining in gas

The surface performance of workpieces processed by electrical discharge machining in gas(dry EDM)was studied in this paper.Firstly,the composition,micro hardness and recast layer of electrical discharge machined(EDMed)surface of 45 carbon steels in air were investigated through different test analysis methods.The results show that the workpiece surface EDMed in air contains a certain quantity of oxide,and oxidation occurs on the workpiece surface.Compared with the surface of workpieces processed in kerosene,fewer cracks exist on the dry EDMed workpiece surface,and the surface recast layer is thinner than that obtained by conventional EDM.The micro hardness of workpieces machined by dry EDM method is lower than that machined in kerosene,and higher than that of the matrix.In addition,experiments were conducted on the surface wear resistance of workpieces processed in air and kerosene using copper electrode and titanium alloy electrode.The results indicate that the surface wear resistance of workpieces processed in air can be improved,and it is related with tool material and dielectric.

Low-temperature performance and high-rate discharge capability of AB_5-type non-stoichiometric hydrogen storage alloy

Low-temperature performance and high-rate discharge capability of AB5-type non-stoichiometric hydrogen storage are studied. X-ray diffraction(XRD),pressure-composition-temperature(PCT) curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) are applied to characterize the electrochemical properties of ABx(x=4.8,4.9,5.0,5.1,5.2) alloys. The results show that the non-stoichiometric alloys exhibit better electrochemical properties compared with that of the AB5 alloy.

Electrical model parameters identification of radiofrequency discharge in argon through 1D3V/PIC-MC model

This work represents a contribution to the modeling of a radiofrequency（RF） discharge in argon at low pressure（from 25 to 200 mTorr）.It is started by the validation of the collision cross sections used in the particle model through a comparison between the transport coefficients calculated by these data and the measurements of the transport coefficients already exist in the literature,the particle model is also validated by a comparison between the calculated plasma density and that measured in the literature.The electrical model proposed in this work consists of replacing the RF discharge by a passive circuit（resistance in series with a capacitor）,where the resistance represents the plasma medium and the obstruction of the passage of the electronic current,and the capacitor represents the sheaths and the appearance of the displacement current in these regions.The parameters of the electrical model are obtained through particle modeling.The electrical model presented accurately reproduces the current of the discharge,but without considering the phenomenon of distortion.The total harmonic distortion rate follows the variation of the plasma density;its maximum value is 5.75% at 100 mTorr.

Study of the influence of discharge loop parameters on anode side on generation characteristics of metal plasma jet in a pulsed vacuum discharge

In a pulsed vacuum discharge,the ejection performance of a metal plasma jet can be effectively improved by preventing charged particles from moving to the anode.In this paper,the effects of resistance and capacitance on the anode side on the discharge characteristics and the generation characteristics of plasma jet are investigated.Results show that the existence of a resistor on the anode side can increase the anode potential,thereby preventing charged particles from entering the anode and promoting the ejection of charged particles along the axis of the insulating sleeve nozzle.The application of a capacitor on the anode side can not only absorb electrons at the initial stage of discharge,increasing the peak value of the cathode hump potential,but also prevent charged particles from moving to the anode,thereby improving the ejection performance of the plasma jet.In addition,the use of a larger resistance and a smaller capacitance can improve the blocking effect on charged particles and further improve the ejection performance of the plasma jet.Results of this study will provide a reference for the improvement of the ejection performance of plasma jets and their applications.

Diagnostics of Optical Characteristics and Parameters of Gas-Discharge Plasma Based on Mercury Diiodide and Helium Mixture

The results of diagnostics of spectral, temporal and energy characteristics of the radiation of gas-discharge plasma in a mixture of mercury diiodide vapor with helium in the spectral range of 350 - 900 nm, and the plasma parameters in the range of reduced electric field E/N = 1 - 100 Td are presented. The plasma is created in the barrier discharge device with a cylindrical aperture. The electrodes are placed 0.2 m in length at a distance of 0.015 m. The amplitude of the pump pulse, the duration and frequency were 20 - 30 kV, 150 ns and 1 - 20 kHz, respectively. Radiation in the visible region of the spectrum of mercury monoiodide exciplex molecule is revealed. Regu larities in the optical characteristics of the plasma, depending on the partial pressures of the components of the mixture, the electron energy distribution function, mean electron energy, specific losses of discharge power on the process of dissociative excitation of mercury monoiodide (state B2Σ+1/2) molecules as well as the rate constant of dissociative excitation of mercury monoiodide molecules in working mixture depending on the given reduced electric field are established.

Research on Characteristic Parameters of Lightning Discharge Channels Based on Spectrum

According to the time-resolved spectra of lightning return stroke process and based on the plasma transmission theory,the evolution characteristics of the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusion coefficient of the discharge channel over time during the lightning return stroke are discussed.The radial distribution of the channel temperature in the lightning peak current phase is calculated,and the heat transfer along the radial direction of the channel is analyzed.The calculated transmission characteristic parameter values of the lightning discharge channel are all in a reasonable range.The results show that the heat transport coefficient of the lightning channel is closely related to the channel temperature and electron density.After returning to the peak current,the channel temperature slowly decreases,and the transport coefficient shows a non-linear and monotonous decay trend.The closer to the current core channel is,the greater the temperature gradient is,and the more the heat transferred radially outward is.

Analysis of Langmuir Probe Characteristics for Measurement of Plasma Parameters in RF Discharge Plasmas

A simple method for measuring RF plasma parameters by means of a DC-biased Langmuir probe is developed. The object of this paper is to ensure the reliability of this method by using the other methods with different principles. First, Langmuir probe current response on RF voltage superimposed to DC biased probe was examined in DC plasmas. Next, probe current response of DC biased probe in RF plasmas was studied and compared with the first experiment. The results were confirmed by using an emissive prove method, an ion acoustic wave method, and a square pulse response method. The method using a simple Langmuir probe is useful and convenient for measuring electron temperature , electron density , time-averaged space potential , and amplitude of space potential oscillation in RF plasmas with a frequency of the order of .

Discharge properties and electrochemical behaviors of AZ80-La-Gd magnesium anode for Mg-air battery

In this work,the discharge properties and electrochemical behaviors of as-cast AZ80-La-Gd anode for Mg-air battery have been investigated and compared with the AZ80 anode.The microstructure evolution,electrochemical behaviors and surface morphologies after discharge have been discussed to connect the discharge properties.The results indicate that the modified AZ80-La-Gd is an outstanding candidate for anode for Mg-air batter,which has high cell voltage,stable discharge curves,good specific capacity and energy,and good anodic efficiency.It exhibits the best anodic efficiency,specific capacity and energy of 76.45%,1703.6 mAh·g^(-1)and 2186.3 mWh·g^(-1),respectively,which are20.24%,18.92%and 25.71%higher than values for AZ80 anode.Such excellent discharge performance is attributed to the Al-RE particles.They refine the Mg_(17)Al_(12)phase and therefore improve the self-corrosion resistance and desorption ability of AZ80 anode.