Characterization and application of the inductively-heated plasma generator IPG6-B

The inductively-heated plasma generator IPG6-B located at the Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics and Engineering Research (CASPER) at Baylor University has been established as an experimental research facility working across multiple areas including complex dusty plasmas, geophysics and aerospace engineering. Currently, the facility can be used to produce subsonic and supersonic flows over a wide operating range for various gases including oxidizing or chemically reactive gases.

Initial characterization measurements have been carried out using a pitot probe to determine the Mach number through measurement of the velocity field and electrostatic probes to determine the electron temperature and density. This talk will discuss an empirical function derived from the data which allows description of the system’s operational parameters over a wide range. Using these results, future experiments in the facility are proposed as well as a cross-calibration comparison campaign with our twin facility located at the University of Stuttgart. Future experiments include especially the research of complex dusty plasmas.