ROTATION VELOCITIES IN A HIGH-PRESSURE PLASMA CENTRIFUGE

This work describes a one-dimensional (1-D) steady-state model of the Hartmann boundary layers appropriate to a high-density rotating plasma which is in local thermodynamic equilibrium. The purpose of the model is to predict the performance of high-pressure plasma centrifuges, an d approximations appropriate to magnetohydrodynamic plasmas are made, Transport properties are calculated using a chemical equilibrium appro ximation which should apply at high densities in a plasma centrifuge. As well as rotation in the azimuthal direction, the model shows that t here is plasma circulation in the radial direction, arising both from convection of the neutral particles with the ions (''ion wind'') and t he nonuniform distribution of the centrifugal force in the axial direc tion (conventional secondary how), Calculated results have been compar ed with experimental data from a rotating argon plasma, The agreement is reasonable.