Article

Stabilization in the ZaP Flow Z-Pinch

Journal of Fusion Energy (impact factor: 0.52). 04/2012; 28(2):208-211. DOI:10.1007/s10894-008-9184-8 pp.208-211

ABSTRACT The ZaP flow Z-pinch experiment at the University of Washington investigates the innovative plasma confinement concept of
using sheared flows to stabilize an otherwise unstable configuration. The ZaP experiment generates an axially flowing Z-pinch
that is 1m long with a 1cm radius with a coaxial accelerator coupled to a pinch assembly chamber. Magnetic probes measure
the fluctuation levels of the azimuthal modes m=1, 2, and 3. After assembly, the plasma is magnetically confined for an extended quiescent period where the mode activity
is significantly reduced. Experimental measurements show a sheared flow profile that is coincident with the low magnetic fluctuations
during the quiescent period. Recent experimental modifications produce more energetic Z-pinch plasmas that exhibit the same
general behavior. The plasma equilibrium is characterized with a suite of diagnostics that measure the plasma density, magnetic
field, ion and electron temperatures, in addition to plasma flow. The equilibrium is shown to satisfy radial force balance.

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Keywords

coaxial accelerator
 
electron temperatures
 
energetic Z-pinch plasmas
 
Experimental measurements
 
extended quiescent period
 
fluctuation levels
 
general behavior
 
innovative plasma confinement concept
 
low magnetic fluctuations
 
Magnetic probes measure
 
pinch assembly chamber
 
plasma density
 
plasma flow
 
quiescent period
 
Recent experimental modifications
 
sheared flow profile
 
sheared flows
 
unstable configuration
 
ZaP experiment
 
ZaP flow Z-pinch experiment