Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, 1921.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, 1917. / "Work in collaboration with Professor R.A. Millikan and Mr. M.J. Kelly." "Private edition, distributed by the University of Chicago libraries, Chicago, Illinois." "Reprinted from Physical review, n.s., volume xv, no. 3, March, 1920."

This thesis describes a study of gas discharges employing analogue computing techniques. Two discharges are examined: The extensively documented Townsend discharge and the recently investigated linear z-pinch discharge of plasma physics. The Townsend discharge theory is presented, with theoretical and experimental results given for the gas ionization coefficients ∝, ɤ and the attachment coefficient ƞ. Simulation of the general Townsend equation including ∝, ɤ and ƞ is described and an error analysis is given. Computer ionization curves are generated from experimental values of ∝, ɤ and ƞ in three common gases and compared with corresponding experimental ionization curves. Townsend’s empirical equation for ∝is used to extend ionization curves to relatively large values of E/p. Theoretical formulae are presented for the primary ionization coefficient in neon-argon gas mixtures. The z-pinch discharge in the case of infinite plasma conductivity is discussed and the snowplow equation for the time variation of the plasma tube radius is derived. An analogue simulator for the snowplow equation is presented and an error analysis given. Analogue computer radial collapse curves are generated for argon and nitrogen and comparisons are made between analogue, digital computer and experimental collapse curves. It is concluded that the analogue computer is well suited to the solution of problems involving the Townsend and z-pinch discharges. The possibility of treating magnetohydrodynamic power generation by analogue methods is mentioned. / Science, Faculty of / Physics and Astronomy, Department of / Graduate

A low pressure coaxial flash tube of simple design has been constructed which does not suffer from deposition on the exit window. Some of the electrical and spectroscopic characteristics of the tube have been measured. A method of measuring the brightness temperature over the visible range was used by comparing photoelectrically the intensity of the tube with that of a black body. The temperature was found to be lower than expected. / Science, Faculty of / Physics and Astronomy, Department of / Graduate

Employing variational procedures on the transport equation we calculate, in this thesis, three relaxation times of a typical shock tube plasma. They are the electron-electron, ion-ion, and electron-ion relaxational times. The results are compared to those obtained by other authors, and are essentially an improvement on the work done by Phillips. / Science, Faculty of / Physics and Astronomy, Department of / Graduate

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 of / Physics and Astronomy, Department of / Graduate

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Michigan, 1928. / "Reprinted from Physical review ... vol. 34, no. 1, July 1, 1929."

No description available.

Thesis (Ph.D)--University of Adelaide, 1957. / "November 1957." Includes bibliographical references.