Two-dimensional integrated Z-pinch ICF design simulations

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20034274

Lash, J S

The dynamic hohlraum ICF concept for a Z-pinch driver utilizes the imploding wire array collision with a target to produce a radiation history suitable for driving an embedded inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsule. This target may consist of various shaped layers of low-density foams or solid-density materials. The use of detailed radiation magneto-hydrodynamic (RMHD) modeling is required for understanding and designing these complex systems. Critical to producing credible simulations and designs is inclusion of the Rayleigh-Taylor unstable wire-array dynamics; the bubble and spike structure of the collapsing sheath may yield regions of low-opacity enhancing radiation loss as well as introduce non-uniformities in the capsule's radiation drive. Recent improvements in LASNEX have allowed significant progress to be made in the modeling of unstable z-pinch implosions. Combining this with the proven ICF capsule design capabilities of LASNEX, the authors now have the modeling tools to produce credible, fully-integrated ICF dynamic hohlraum simulations. They present detailed two-dimensional RMHD simulations of recent ICF dynamic hohlraum experiments on the Sandia Z-machine as well as design simulations for the next-generation Z-pinch facility and future high-yield facility.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (US)
• OSTI ID: 20034274
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
IMPLOSIONS
INDIRECT DRIVE ICF
INERTIAL FUSION DRIVERS
LONGITUDINAL PINCH
PLASMA SHEATH
PLASMA SIMULATION
RAYLEIGH-TAYLOR INSTABILITY
TARGETS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
X-RAY SOURCES