Problems of Using a Hot-Electron Plasma in MHD Generators

The paper considers the question of using non-equilibrium plasma in MHD generators and the stage reached in research on the physics and magnetohydrodynamics of non-equilibrium plasma. The work carried out in this field by Soviet investigators is reviewed. The authors discuss experimental and theoretical investigations of the model of a hot-electron plasma having local equilibrium, of energy transport in the magnetic field, and of plasma stability in the magnetic field. They also discuss questions associated with plasma turbulence and methods of suppressing it, as well as questions concerning the magnetohydrodynamics of plasma flows. They finally consider diagnostic methods and compare theoretical and experimental results. (author)