A fluid model for electron dynamics in the vacuum gap of a plasma opening switch

A two-dimensional fluid model is developed to study the equilibrium flow of electrons in the vacuum gap between the cathode and the plasma of a plasma opening switch. The dynamics of electron flow in the vacuum gap region is illustrated by the distributions of the magnetic field, the electrostatic potential, and the electron density. The dependencies of the switch current and its interruption in the vacuum gap on the dimensions of the vacuum gap, the load impedance, and the electrostatic potential across the gap are investigated. The two-dimensional aspect of the electron flow in the vacuum gap and its effects on the performance of a plasma opening switch are emphasized.