Visualization of plasma-fluid mixing through X-ray shadowgraphy

Changes induced by the impact of a hot plasma jet on a fluid have been recorded using X-ray shadowgraphy. The process is of particular importance in the operation of electrothermal acceleration devices. Sets of frames taken every 40 mu s reveal details of the interaction. Fluid erosion is observed to occur only at the fluid extremity directly hit by the plasma. The erosion rate has been evaluated for the initial collision stages when the volume accessible to the fluid remains constant; the measured values range between 100 m/s and 200 m/s.<
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