J.W. Thornhill,
J.L. Giuliani,
A. Dasgupta,
J.P. Apruzese,
J. Davis,
Y.K. Chong,
C.A. Jennings, D.A. Ampleford,
B. Jones,
C.A. Coverdale,
M.C. Jones,
M.E. Cuneo,
W.A. Stygar
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ABSTRACT: Two-dimensional ( r , z ) magnetohydrodynamic simulations with nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium ionization and radiation transport are used to investigate the K-shell radiation output from doubly nested large-diameter (> 60 mm) stainless-steel arrays fielded on the refurbished Z pulsed-power generator. The effects of the initial density perturbations, wire ablation rate, and current loss near the load on the total power, K-shell power, and K-shell yield are examined. The broad mass distribution produced by wire ablation largely overcomes the deleterious impact on the K-shell power and yield of 2-D instability growth. On the other hand, the possible current losses in the final feed section lead to substantial reductions in K-shell yield. Following a survey of runs, the parameters for the perturbation level, ablation rate, and current loss are chosen to benchmark the simulations against existing 65-mm-diameter radiation data. The model is then used to predict the K-shell properties of larger diameter (70 mm) arrays to be imploded on the Z generator.
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science 05/2010; · 1.17 Impact Factor
