Current disruption wave generation

A fast energy wave packet pulse with a velocity greater than 108 cm/s has been generated from a T-shock tube, accompanying the discharge current disruption and a sharp voltage peak. The distribution of the disrupted wave increases the plasma temperature by 5 eV, and the density jumps to 2-3 times its initial value. The disruption wave streams through the proceeding plasma and shock wave without noticeable dissipative interaction. The production of a backward shock wave has been referred to the destruction of the wave at the expansion chamber. A propagated magnetosonic wave with a velocity of 6x105 cm/s has been detected, which was excited near the discharge electrodes. (orig.)