Generation of ultra-high magnetic fields by a degenerate, snow-plow pinch
In this paper we discuss 1 and 2-D LASNEX calculations of a snow-plow pinch in Xenon. The pinch is driven by inductively stored energy, switched by a compact-torus, fast-opening switch, with performance characteristics calculated by the TRACII, 2-D, MHD code. The 10-cm initial radius, 1 cm long Xe pinch is driven by 50 MA current, switched on in 100 ns. The pinch uniquely undergoes radiative collapse during the snow-plow phase, conforming to the original description of the ``snow-plow,`` to form a high-density, high-kinetic energy Xe shell which dynamically converges ({rho}{sub R}{sup {lg_bullet}}{sup 2} {much_gt} B{sub {Theta}}{sup 2}/8{pi}) to a pinch equilibrium with degenerate electron pressure, high-density ({rho} {approx_equal} 10{sup 5} gm/cm{sup 3}) high-magnetic field (B{Theta} {approx_equal} 10{sup 10}G), and T{sub e} {congruent}T{sub i} {congruent} T{sub radiation} {congruent} 5 keV. The described pinch configuration, calculated in 1-D, is expected to be unstable to R-T, sausage, and kink instabilities. A small initial B{sub zo} field ({approximately}100G) is calculated to be compressed to B{sub z} {approx_equal} B {sub {Theta}} at the final, degenerate, pinch equilibrium, thus stabilizing sausage instability. A larger initial B{sub z} field ({approximately}10 kG) is calculated to be compressed by the radiatively collapsing plasma in the snow-plow to B{sub z} {approx_equal} B {sub {Theta}} to stabilize R-T instability during the snow-plow phase. Finally, the kink instability (if it occurs) is expected, as observed, to leave intact the tightly pinched plasma column.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 10120095
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC--111529; CONF-921133--13; ON: DE93005831
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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