Space-time evolution of an EMHD current sheet. Three sets of current density contours show the growth, steady state and decay of the sheet. During the growth localized return currents are induced, during the decay the current collapses to a filament near the center of the electrode. These are linear features of transient whistler currents from the axial wire which feeds the current pulse to the sheet electrode. Propagation of an EMHD current sheet.
Top trace shows the applied current pulse.
Bottom contour plot shows the perturbed magnetic field component in a z-t diagram. Characteristics of EMHD currents to a pulsed electrode in a uniform magnetoplasma. The J -lines from the electrode penetrate a finite distance into the plasma before spiraling back to the return electrode in the back of the disk electrode. A current tube has been constructed from the measured data. It's enclosed current is conserved and the J -lines lie on its surface.