Production of a highly-ionized gas by an electromagnetically-driven shock wave

A study has been made of the properties of an electromagnetically generated shock wave travelling through both argon and helium. An initial capacitive energy of 450 joules has been rapidly discharged into the gas and has resulted in shock wave velocities of up to five centimeters per microsecond. The high velocities obtained can be attributed to careful design of the main discharge circuit. Preliminary results of measurements of the properties of the shock wave are given. Of primary interest has been the results of measurements of the properties of the plasma associated with the shock wave. A magnetic field deflection method has been developed for the measurement of the electrical conductivity of this plasma.Science, Faculty ofPhysics and Astronomy, Department ofGraduat