Parallel Operation of Multiple Closely Spaced Small Aspect Ratio Rod Pinches

Journal Article · Wed Dec 10 00:00:00 EST 2014 · IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.2014.2376272· OSTI ID:1184480

Harper-Slaboszewicz, Victor J. ^[1]; Leckbee, Joshua ^[1]; Bennett, Nichelle ^[2]; Madrid, Elizabeth A. ^[3]; Rose, David V. ^[3]; Thoma, Carsten ^[3]; Welch, Dale R. ^[3]; Lake, Patrick W. ^[1]; McCourt, Andrew L. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
2. National Security Technologies, LLC. (NSTec), Las Vegas, NV (United States)
3. Voss Scientific, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (United States)

A series of simulations and experiments to resolve questions about the operation of arrays of closely spaced small aspect ratio rod pinches has been performed. Design and post-shot analysis of the experimental results are supported by 3D particle-in-cell simulations. Both simulations and experiments support these conclusions. Penetration of current to the interior of the array appears to be efficient, as the current on the center rods is essentially equal to the current on the outer rods. Current loss in the feed due to the formation of magnetic nulls was avoided in these experiments by design of the feed surface of the cathode and control of the gap to keep the electric fields on the cathode below the emission threshold. Some asymmetry in the electron flow to the rod was observed, but the flow appeared to symmetrize as it reached the end of the rod. Interaction between the rod pinches can be controlled to allow the stable and consistent operation of arrays of rod pinches.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1184480
• Report Number(s): SAND--2014-18744J; 540333
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 43; ISSN 0093-3813
• Publisher: IEEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY