2D radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of SATURN imploding Z-pinches

Conference · Mon Nov 06 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:192472

Hammer, J H; Eddleman, J L; Springer, P T ^[1]

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1. and others

Z-pinch implosions driven by the SATURN device at Sandia National Laboratory are modeled with a 2D radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code, showing strong growth of magneto-Rayleigh Taylor (MRT) instability. Modeling of the linear and nonlinear development of MRT modes predicts growth of bubble-spike structures that increase the time span of stagnation and the resulting x-ray pulse width. Radiation is important in the pinch dynamics keeping the sheath relatively cool during the run-in and releasing most of the stagnation energy. The calculations give x-ray pulse widths and magnitudes in reasonable agreement with experiments, but predict a radiating region that is too dense and radially localized at stagnation. We also consider peaked initial density profiles with constant imploding sheath velocity that should reduce MRT instability and improve performance. 2D krypton simulations show an output x-ray power > 80 TW for the peaked profile.

• 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: 192472
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--122340; CONF-951182--7; ON: DE96005395
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
66 PHYSICS
ALUMINIUM
IMPLOSIONS
LINEAR Z PINCH DEVICES
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA SIMULATION
RAYLEIGH-TAYLOR INSTABILITY
X-RAY SOURCES