Magnus Effect on Arc Driven by Alternating Magnetic Field in Swirling Plasma Gas

抄録

An arc driven by an alternating magnetic field was investigated theoretically and experimentally in swirling plasma gas flow. The governing equation to ascertain the arc motion was assumed to include not only an electromagnetic force term but also a Magnus force one. The electromagnetic force term derives from interaction between the arc current and the imposed magnetic field. The Magnus force is produced when the rotating gas travels in the surrounding gas. The obtained equation was solved numerically using commercial software (Mathematica). Numerical calculation revealed that the movement of the magnetically driven arc is twisted by the Magnus force. The twist direction depends on that of the swirling motion of the plasma gas. Clockwise-swirling plasma gas produces clockwise twisted arc movement. The amplitude of the oscillatory arc motion decreases concomitantly with increasing swirling strength.
The experiment was performed to examine the theoretical predictions. Results from experimental observations showed that the theoretical modeling was reasonable.