Measurements of Plasma Density Across a Non-magnetic Obstacle using a Probe Drive in the Bryn Mawr Experiment (BMX)

In the Bryn Mawr Magnetohydrodynamic Experiment (BMX), we study the interactions between turbulent plasma flow and physical obstructions to gain insight into solar wind behaviors in astrophysical conditions. This work investigates how plasma flow and magnetic field structures reorganize downstream, as well as how the density and current are affected within the plasma chamber with a non-magnetic obstacle – a Macor ceramic plate – placed in the path of the plasma. Magnetic probes (B-dot probes) were placed at several incremental distances (0.5-4.5 inches) behind the plate to monitor the magnetic field fluctuations and plasma turbulence. Data suggests that the plate generates a region of significantly reduced magnetic activity immediately behind it, reduced average saturation current, followed by increased saturation current density and frequency for density conditions. By observing variations in the probe signals at different positions and distances from the plate, we aim to understand the plasma turbulence and magnetic field behavior from the source, to the end of the chamber. This plasma-obstacle interaction is observed in laboratory conditions and is believed to be a representation of astrophysical conditions.