A5033331927- Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
- Magnetic confinement fusion research
- Electromagnetic Launch and Propulsion Technology
- Plasma Diagnostics and Applications
- Energetic Materials and Combustion
- Laser-induced spectroscopy and plasma
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- High-Velocity Impact and Material Behavior
- Fusion materials and technologies
- Pulsed Power Technology Applications
- High-pressure geophysics and materials
- Particle accelerators and beam dynamics
- Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Cold Fusion and Nuclear Reactions
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows
- Lightning and Electromagnetic Phenomena
- Combustion and Detonation Processes
- Superconducting Materials and Applications
- Electrostatic Discharge in Electronics
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- Computational Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics
- Dust and Plasma Wave Phenomena
- Gas Dynamics and Kinetic Theory
Linde (United States)
2024
Los Alamos National Laboratory
1999-2021
University of Nevada, Reno
2005-2015
Los Alamos National Security (United States)
1997-2004
United States Air Force Research Laboratory
2003
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
1973-1980
A simple, zero-dimensional model describing the temporal behaviour of an imploding-shell, magnetized fuel inertial confinement fusion target is formulated. The includes effects not normally considered in such as magnetic back-pressure on imploding shell, reduction thermal conductivity, diffusion, and Ohmic heating. simple enough to permit a survey parameter space available for by computing thousands targets. predicts existence totally new region where significant thermonuclear burn-up can...
The magnetized target fusion (MTF) concept is explained, and the underlying principles are discussed. necessity of creating a plasma advantage decoupling its creation from implosion used to achieve ignition explained. Sandia National Laboratories Φ-target experiments one concrete example MTF concept, but other have involved some elements MTF. Lindl-Widner diagrams elucidate parameter space available physics ignition. Magnetized has both limitations advantages relative inertial confinement...
Experimental observations of plasma behavior in a novel formation chamber are reported. results reasonable agreement with two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic computations suggesting that the could subsequently be adiabatically compressed by magnetically driven pusher to yield 1 GJ fusion energy. An explosively helical flux compression generator mated unique closing switch/opening switch combination delivered 2.7 MA, 347 μs magnetization current and an additional 5 2.5 electrical pulse...
We apply a few simple first-principles equations to identify the parameter space in which controlled fusion might be possible. Fundamental physical parameters such as minimum size, energy, and power well cost are estimated. explain why fuel density inertial confinement is more than 1011 times larger magnetic fusion. introduce magnetized target one possible way of accessing regime that intermediate between two extremes potentially lower either these two.
In this community white paper, we describe an approach to achieving fusion which employs a hybrid of elements from the traditional magnetic and inertial concepts, called magneto-inertial (MIF). The status MIF research in North America at multiple institutions is summarized including recent progress, opportunities, future plans.
A new model for determining the time-dependent behavior of exploding metallic fuses is formulated. The draws on an atomic data base and gives insight into temporal material density temperature fuse as well nonlinear electrical circuit interaction. includes embedding insulating tamper leads to a plausible explanation ‘‘restrike.’’ predicts time-scale compression 500 inductive store systems powered by explosive driven magnetic flux generators. scenario achieving multimegajoule foil implosions...
The simple magnetized target implosion model of Lindemuth and Kirkpatrick [Nucl. Fusion 23, 263 (1983)] has been extended to survey the potential parameter space in which three types targets—cylindrical with axial magnetic field, cylindrical azimuthal spherical field—might achieve ignition produce large gain at achievable radial convergence ratios. used compute dynamic, time-dependent behavior many initial sets that have based upon projected conditions using quasi-adiabatic...
Magnetically imploded cylindrical metal shells (z-pinch liners) are attractive drivers for experiments exploring hydrodynamics and properties of materials at extreme conditions. As in all z-pinches, the outer surface a liner is unstable to magneto Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) modes during acceleration, large-scale distortion arising from RT could make such liners unuseable. On other hand, material strength should, first principles, reduce growth rate modes, can render some combinations wavelength...
Two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic numerical calculations have been performed to study the fuel behavior of a preconditioned relativistic electron beam target in which, experimentally, portion current prepulse entered provide preheat and magneto-thermoinsulation. The plasma model used includes radiation, thermal conduction, ionization, resistive diffusion. partial differential equations are solved by computer code employing implicit finite-difference methods. is shown develop...
The thermal ionization of a thick metal surface by pulsed multimegagauss magnetic field has been examined experimentally. Thick 6061-alloy Al rods with initial radii (R0) from 1.00 to 0.25 mm, larger than the skin depth, are 1.0 MA peak current in 100 ns. Surface fields (Bs) rise at 30−80 MG/μs and reach 1.5 4 MG, respectively. For this range parameters, plasma forms threshold level Bs=2.2 MG. Novel load hardware ensures that formation is thermal, Ohmic or compression heating. Surface-plasma...
The design and first successful demonstration of an imploding solid liner with height to diameter ratio, radial convergence, uniformity suitable for compressing a field reversed configuration is discussed. Radiographs indicated very symmetric implosion no instability growth, /spl sim/13x compression the inner surface prior impacting central measurement unit. kinetic energy was 1.5 megajoules, 34% capacitor stored 4.4 megajoules.
Initial two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic computer calculations of the formation and evolution solid-deuterium-fiber Z pinch are reported. The computations show that m=0 instability occurs very early in discharge. behavior leads to hot spots off axis enhances fiber ablation rate. A rapid onset neutron production when has totally ablated. qualitative agreement with experimental observations at several laboratories lead a new interpretation diagnostics.
We have performed one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic computer calculations of the formation and evolution solid-deuterium-fiber $Z$ pinch. With use a tabulated atomic data base "cold-start" initial conditions, our computations show that current is carried by hot plasma which has been ablated from solid fiber. The suggest experimentally observed instability growth may coincide with complete ablation central
Numerical simulations of experiments in which plasma is formed on an aluminum surface by megagauss magnetic fields provide the first computational demonstration a magnetic-field threshold that must be reached for to begin form. The computed times initiation agree reasonably well with observations across full range rod diameters, leading conclusion formation thermal process. Computationally, forms low-density material resistive enough expand field and yet conductive Ohmic heating exceeds...
The survey by Lindemuth [Phys. Plasmas 22, 122712 (2015)] of the parameter space in which magnetized targets can achieve ignition and high gain has been extended broadened with intent determining, for a specified initial density β (ratio plasma pressure to magnetic pressure), temperature minimum size required at reasonable convergence determine what are implosion velocity energy maximize gain. For three basic types targets—spherical azimuthal field, cylindrical axial field—we find that is...
Deuterium-fiber-initiated Z-pinch experiments have been simulated using a two-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic model, which includes many important experimental details, such as ‘‘cold-start’’ initial conditions, thermal conduction, radiation, actual discharge current versus time, and grids of sufficient size resolution to allow realistic development the plasma. When fiber becomes fully ionized (at time depending on ramp thickness), simulations show rapidly developing m=0...
Compact, high-gain magnetic flux compressors (FCGs) are convenient sources of substantial energy for plasma-physics and electron-beam-physics experiments, but the need high voltage, fast-rising pulses is difficult to meet directly with conventional generators. While a variety novel concepts employing simultaneous, axially-detonated explosive systems under development, power-conditioning based on fuse opening switches high-voltage transformers constitute an approach that complements...
A series of experiments to study the behavior thick wires (0.5-2 mm in diameter) driven by currents about 1 MA has recently been conducted on Zebra facility at University Nevada, Reno. The objective these was plasma formation surface conductors under influence megagauss magnetic fields. Laser shadowgraphy, filtered optical and extreme ultraviolet photodiodes, spectroscopy used provided data radial expansion radiation. This paper focuses numerical simulations experiments. Simulations with...
Data are presented that part of a first step in establishing the scientific basis magnetized target fusion (MTF) as cost effective approach to energy. A radially converging flux compressor shell with characteristics suitable for MTF is demonstrated be feasible. The key and engineering question this experiment whether large radial force density required uniformly pinch cylindrical would do so without buckling or kinking its shape. time evolution has been measured several independent...
The behavior of a hot, magnetized plasma brought into contact with cold wall is studied numerically in one and two dimensions. A fully nonlinear, time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic model which includes thermal conduction, resistive diffusion, radiation, ionization used. solved an Eulerian computer code employs implicit finite difference methods. One-dimensional calculations for cylindrical geometry examine the effect electrical properties on plasma. Two-dimensional show formation...
The effect of sheared axial flow on the Z-pinch sausage instability has been examined with two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations. Diffuse Bennett equilibria in presence flows parabolic and linear radial profiles have considered, a detailed study nonlinear development small perturbations from these performed. consequences both single-wavelength random-seed were calculated. It was found that changed internal m=0 mode by reducing growth rates, decreasing saturation amplitude,...
Previously published calculations predict that the “staged z-pinch” (SZP) can achieve 400 MJ of fusion yield on a Z-class machine. The SZP is touted to need no external preheat mechanism and pre-magnetization method. Instead, it claimed imploding liner adequately “shock preheat” fuel magnetic field diffusion through magnetize fuel. In this paper, we analyze number demonstrate have major errors—the computer code used do does not appear be accurately solving physical model intended solve. A...
From 1977 to 1981, a high-density, laser-initiated, gas-embedded z-pinch experimental and theoretical program was conducted at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The measurements computations indicated for usual mode of operation production experimentally hydrogen plasma characterized by <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">n</i> <inline-formula xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math...