Hydrodynamic description of the mechanism of formation of carbon nanotubes

The electric-arc process of synthesis of carbon nanotubes has been investigated with the aim of searching for the mechanical trajectories of the ionic component of a carbon arc plasma and evaluating their influence on the formation of carbon nanotubes on the cathode. The conclusion on the predominantly ionic composition of the plasma has been drawn on the basis of experimental study of the degree of ionization. It has been proposed that a magnetohydrodynamic model be used for description of the motion of the charged component. The calculated region of the predominant accumulation of carbon ions has been compared to the actual distribution of carbon nanotubes.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]