Waves in gas centrifuges: a review

Abstract

Abstract Waves in gas centrifuges are generated by scoops for withdrawal of the gas. The physics of the waves and their role in the gas dynamics are under discussion. Strong centrifugal and Coriolis forces have dramatic impact on the properties and dispersion relation of the waves. The conventional sound, vertex and entropy waves split into 3 families with different dispersion. The entropy wave has zero velocity of propagation but variation of temperature in this wave is accompanied by toroidal motion. Pressure is not perturbed. The rest two families of the waves have nonzero velocities of propagation. Upper family has frequency above doubled frequency of rotation of the rotor with exceptional case of the wave (named acoustic wave) propagating exactly in the axial direction. This wave propagates with the conventional sound velocity and is polarized only in the axial direction. Unique property of this wave is the weakest damping due to the molecular viscosity and heat conductivity. All other waves are damped on distances compared with their wavelength. At the conventional parameters of the IGUASU centrifuge the acoustic waves are damped predominantly due to the viscous interaction and heat exchange with the wall of the rotor. This wave is able to propagate on the distance of ≤ 1 m. Numerical experiments show that the waves can affect the axial circulation and gas content in the centrifuge and produce phenomena of resonances. Possible impact of the waves on the process of separation of the isotopes is also under discussion.