Radiationally-induced radial contraction of Z-pinches

Technical Report · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:4152637

Shearer, J W

A one-dimensional calculation of the radial motion of a Z-pinch was based on the Bennett relation, ohmic heating, and radiation loss. The result shows that the pinch will shrink if its current exceeds the Pease--Braginskii current (.1--1.5 megamps, depending on the radial density distribution and the impurity level), and if the shrinkage rate exceeds the growth rate of instabilities. It is suggested that the approximately 0.1 mm x-ray sources observed in plasma focus experiments are produced by this mechanism. (auth)

• Research Organization: California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• NSA Number: NSA-33-011656
• OSTI ID: 4152637
• Report Number(s): UCID--16973
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*LINEAR Z PINCH DEVICES-- ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
*PLASMA FOCUS DEVICES-- ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
700105* --Fusion Energy--Plasma Research--Plasma Kinetics-- Theoretical
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ENERGY LOSSES
IMPURITIES
JOULE HEATING
MAGNETIC COMPRESSION
N70500* --Physics--Controlled Thermonuclear Research-- Kinetics (Theoretical)
X RADIATION