Z-pinch platforms constitute a promising pathway to fusion energy research. Here, we present one-dimensional numerical study of the staged (SZP) concept using FLASH and MACH2 codes. We discuss verification codes two analytical benchmarks that include Z-pinch-relevant physics, building confidence on codes' ability model such experiments. Then, is used simulate different SZP configurations: xenon gas-puff liner (SZP1*) silver solid (SZP2). The SZP2 results are compared against previously...

Magnetically driven implosions involving a liner collapsing onto target are inherently vulnerable to the magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor instability (MRTI). Among various approaches proposed achieve fusion conditions within target, staged Z-pinch (SZP) concept employs high-Z liner, advantages of which remain an active area investigation. Consequently, ongoing design optimization efforts essential, while critical physical processes such as magnetic field (B-field) diffusion and radiation transport...

The implosion of a liner-on-target Z-pinch is simulated for fusion. simulation code the 2-1/2-D, MACH2 MHD and driver parameters are τ <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1/4</sub> ~ 130 ns, I xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">peak</sub> 22 MA, E xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">stored</sub> MJ. Simulations run Staged Z-pinch, configured as an unmagnetized, silver-plasma liner imploding onto deuterium-tritium...

Z-pinch experiments and computer simulations provide evidence for enhanced stability current transfer in a staged Z pinch, consisting of an annular krypton shell imploding onto deuterium gas fill. Visible-streak Schlieren imaging multilayer implosion where the outer plasma is Rayleigh–Taylor unstable inner column stable. Computer indicate that discharge diffuses through unstable, Kr shell. As layer implodes deuterium, transferred stable results, producing deuterium-compression ratio 200.

A Z-pinch liner, imploding onto a target plasma, evolves in step-wise manner, producing stable, magneto-inertial, high-energy-density plasma compression. The typical configuration is cylindrical, high-atomic-number liner low-atomic-number target. parameters for terawatt-class machine (e.g., Zebra at the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada Terawatt Facility) have been simulated. 2-1/2 D MHD code, MACH2, was used to study this configuration. requirements are an initial radius few mm stable...

A staged Z-pinch is a fusion concept where high atomic number liner compresses fuel (deuterium–deuterium or deuterium–tritium) target. Here, we report new results from Lagrangian, Eulerian, and Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian simulations, which confirm that, with proper treatment of the vacuum region outside pinch, energy production &amp;gt;1 MJ can be expected without alpha heating significantly higher if included. It shown that shock waves play an important role in preheating target plasma...

Recent experiments on the 1 MA, 100 ns Zebra driver at Nevada Terawatt Facility University of Nevada, Reno, investigated compression a deuterium target by high-atomic-number (Ar or Kr) gas-puff liner. Pinch stability improved with axial premagnetization 1–2 kG observed as decrease in magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth. Implosion dynamics and stagnation conditions were studied computationally radiation-MHD code MACH2 using initial that approximate those experiment. Typical average...

Abstract We simulate fusion in a Z-pinch, where the load is xenon-plasma liner imploding onto deuterium–tritium (DT) plasma target and driver 2 MJ, 17 MA, 95 ns risetime pulser. The implosion system modeled using dynamic, D, radiation-magnetohydrodynamic code, MACH2. During shock forms Xe liner, transporting current energy radially inward. After collision with DT, secondary pre-heating DT to several hundred electronvolts. Adiabatic compression leads subsequently burn, as surrounded by...

We report on one-dimensional simulations of a staged Z-pinch (SZP) fusion scheme using the radiation-hydrodynamics code HYDRA [Marinak et al., Phys. Plasmas 8, 2275 (2001)]. A pulsed-power driver, based Z-machine at Sandia National Laboratories, with peak current around 20 MA, is used to implode high-Z gas liner surrounding cylindrical DT fuel target. For best conditions in this work, excluding some physical processes, such as mix, we find “clean” yield 7.05 MJ (2.5 ×1018 neutrons), thus...

The temporal evolution of weak shocks in radiative media is theoretically investigated this work. structure has traditionally been studied a stationary framework. Their systematic classification complex because layers optically thick and thin regions alternate to form radiatively driven precursor temperature-relaxation layer, between which the hydrodynamic shock embedded. In work we analyze formation when two plasmas with different pressures are put contact. Applying reductive perturbative...

The staged Z-pinch is a potentially transformative magneto-inertial fusion energy concept where high atomic number liner implodes on deuterium or deuterium-tritium target using multi-MA pulsed current. Over the past several years, this was studied experimentally 1 MA facilities with argon krypton gas puffs compressing magnetized target. Consistent thermonuclear neutron yield of 1010 per shot measured liners. In paper, we investigate performance targets varying density undergoing compression...

A staged Z pinch is considered in which an annular plasma shell made of a high material like Kr implodes onto coaxial target low deuterium or deuterium–tritium mixture. The could be either by exploding cryogenically extruded fiber filling the with gas puff puff. Modeling performed two-dimensional (2D) radiation-MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) code. parameter study to determine sensitivity this configuration initial conditions and plasmas. An axial magnetic field essential for stable implosion...

1- and 2-D simulations of 1-cm radius, gas-puff liners Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe imploding onto a deuterium target are conducted using the discharge parameters for Zebra (1 MA, 130 ns) driver resistive MHD code MACH2. This is an implementation Staged Z-pinch concept, in which driven to high-energy-density first by shock compression launched diffused azimuthal magnetic field (J×B force), then adiabatic as liner converges on axis. During run-in phase, initial heating preheats plasma, with subsequent...

A Staged Z-pinch (H.U. Rahman, F.J. Wessel, N. Rostoker, Phys. Rev. Lett. 74:714, 1995), configured for a 100 ns, 2 MJ implosion accelerator, is studied using the 2-1/2 D, radiation-MHD code, MACH2. The as cylindrical, high-atomic number plasma shell that implodes radially onto co-axial, target, example: Xenon 50:50 mixture of Deuterium-Tritium. During shock develops in liner, producing conduction channel at Xe/DT interface mass Xe accumulates, and preheating DT target. subsequent...

This paper is dedicated to Norman Rostoker, our (FJW and HUR) mentor long-term collaborator, who will always be remembered for the incredible inspiration that he has provided us. Norman's illustrious career dealt with a broad range of fundamental-physics problems we were fortunate have worked him on many important topics: intense-charged-particle beams, field-reversed configurations, Z-pinches. Rostoker 's group at University CA, Irvine was well known having implemented refinements Z-pinch,...

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Staged pinch implosions provide a means to couple energy small-diameter fibre on an extremely fast time scale, circumventing the limitations of conventional pinches. In this scheme generator current initially traverses intermediate hollow plasma shell, which compresses onto placed coaxially and transfers with significantly reduced risetime. The results are impressive, since delivered peak power is increased by several orders magnitude, coupling efficiency improves, most dangerous...

Two-dimensional simulation of a composite Z-pinch was performed by the complete radiative magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code ZETA including detailed calculation equations state, spectral properties materials, and radiation transport in non-local thermodynamic equilibrium multicharged ions plasma. The initial geometry, substance components, electric current through were similar to joint experiment set up JEX-94 at Angara-5 facility. geometry was: annular argon gas puff with inner outer diameter...

We describe experiments for a neon tandem-puff Z pinch modified with small-diameter, high-Z wire target (i.e., pinch-on-wire). The radiative yield photon energies in the range of 1–100 keV is measured. With copper-wire integral (J) between 0.9 and 1.5 increases by factor compared to without target; unchanged or slightly increased higher-Z wires. high-energy yield, above 6 keV, 2 more copper as much 5 tungsten target. This behavior cannot be accounted simple hydrodynamic compression hot...

Z-pinch platforms constitute a promising pathway to fusion energy research. Here, we present one-dimensional numerical study of the staged (SZP) concept using FLASH and MACH2 codes. We discuss verification codes two analytical benchmarks that include Z-pinch-relevant physics, building confidence on codes' ability model such experiments. Then, is used simulate different SZP configurations: xenon gas-puff liner (SZP1*) silver solid (SZP2). The SZP2 results are compared against previously...

The temporal evolution of weak shocks in radiative media is theoretically investigated this work. structure has traditionally been studied a stationary framework. Their systematic classification complex because layers optically thin and thick regions alternate to form radiatively-driven precursor temperature-relaxation layer, between which the hydrodynamic shock embedded. In work, we analyze formation when two plasmas with different pressures are put contact. Applying reductive perturbative...

A new scheme to achieve controlled thermonuclear fusion, based upon the hybrid concept of Z‐Θ pinch, is described. In this fusion conditions may be achieved by placing a small diameter fiber or straw coaxial with an annular gas puff Z‐pinch and axial magnetic field. The imploding entrains field compressing it rapidly megagauss values. This induces azimuthal θ pinch current on surface rise time at least order magnitude faster than Z‐current time. ultrahigh traps alpha particles sheared more...

A standard magnetohydrodynamic code, MACH2 [1], is modified in 1-D to account for two-fluid behavior, include the effects of a finite-electric field during formation driven, field-reversed configuration (FRC). The simulation run period 150 μs. Initially an azimuthal ion current produced, then FRC forms, compressing radially and axially, finally decays. Previous experiments [3] agree with simulations, specifically magnitude total including electron flows, radial profile FRC, which appears be...