Gas dynamics modeling of a plasmoid created by the Gatchina discharge

Whether plasmoids produced by the Gatchina discharge has a gas-dynamic nature is examined. The analysis is performed using two models for the formation of hot gas flows in the discharge region. The heating of the gas by a bulk heat source near the central electrode and by hot jet formed over the surface of the discharge region and having a maximum velocity in an area above the central electrode are considered. Predictions of the second model are demonstrated to be in closer agreement with experimental data.