Structure and dynamics of magneto-inertial, differentially rotating laboratory plasmas

• DOI: 10.1017/s0022377824000710
• Publication Date: 2024-10-08T16:09:49Z
• Authors: V. Valenzuela-Vil...; L.G. Suttle; F. Suzuki-Vidal; J.W.D. Halliday; D.R. Russell; S. Merlini; E.R. Tubman; J.D. Hare; J.P. Chittenden; M.E. Koepke; E.G. Blackman; S.V. Lebedev
• Keywords: Moment of inertia; Thomson scattering; Axial symmetry; Z-pinch

We present a detailed characterization of the structure and evolution differentially rotating plasmas driven on MAGPIE pulsed-power generator (1.4 MA peak current, 240 ns rise time). The experiments were designed to simulate physics relevant accretion discs jets laboratory scales. A cylindrical aluminium wire array Z pinch enclosed by return posts with an overall azimuthal off-set angle was produce ablation plasma flows that propagate inwards in slightly off-radial trajectory, injecting mass, angular momentum confining ram pressure column axis. However, is free expand axially, forming collimated, axial jet propagates at ${\approx }100\,{\rm km}\,{\rm s}^{-1}$ . density profile corresponds dense shell surrounding low-density core, which consistent centrifugal barrier effect being sustained along jet's propagation. show analytically that, as accretes conservation mass implies radial growth scaling $r \propto t^{1/3}$ As characteristic moment inertia increases, rotation velocity predicted decrease settle value }20\,{\rm find both predictions are agreement Thomson scattering optical self-emission imaging measurements.