Abstract
Many plasma applications involve the plasma coming into contact with a liquid surface. Previous analyses of the stability of such liquid surfaces have neglected the presence of the sheath region between the bulk plasma and the liquid. Large electric fields, typically in excess of several MV m−1, and strong ion flows are present in this region. This paper considers a linear perturbation analysis of a liquid-sheath interface in order to find the marginal condition for instability. This condition shows that molten metal surfaces in tokamak edge plasmas are stable against the electric field, if a normal sheath is formed, due to the impact of ions on the surface. The stabilization of the liquid surface by ion bombardment is encouraging for the ongoing development of plasma-liquid technologies.
Highlights
Many plasma applications involve the plasma coming into contact with a liquid surface
This paper considers a linear perturbation analysis of a liquid-sheath interface in order to find the marginal condition for instability
Studied instabilities of liquid metal surfaces in tokamaks include a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability due to plasma flow across the metal surface,9 a Rayleigh-Taylor instability driven by the j  B force due to a current flowing in the metal,10 a Rayleigh-Plateau instability of the liquid metal rim around a cathode arc spot crater,11 and droplet emission from bursting bubbles which are formed by liquid boiling or absorption of gases from the plasma
Summary
Many plasma applications involve the plasma coming into contact with a liquid surface. This paper considers a linear perturbation analysis of a liquid-sheath interface in order to find the marginal condition for instability.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
