Plasma channel dynamics in sub- and microsecond discharges in water

Abstract

Simulation results of a fast electric discharge and a strong acoustic wave in the water is performed. A theoretical model of a high-current plasma channel is presented. The model accounts for the energy ratio between the input electric power and the plasma channel conductivity, and adiabatic expansion mechanism of this channel in water. It allows you to calculate the dynamics of the expansion of the channel and the generation of a radially diverging acoustic wave. The presented study makes it possible to estimate the probable parameters of the phenomenon: when electric energy is introduced into the channel, its expansion velocity reaches 1.9 km/s, electrons number density in the plasma is up to 2·1020 cm−3. In this case, a strong acoustic wave propagates with a sonic speed (~ 1500 m/s), and the pressure amplitude in the vicinity of the plasma channel can reach 200 MPa. The stability of the model in relation to variations in the initial task parameters has been analyzed. The calculated data for the acoustic wave are in good agreement with the measurements.