One- and two-dimensional density and temperature measurements of an argon-neon Z-pinch plasma at stagnation

Conference · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:471334

Wong, K L; Springer, P T; Hammer, J H; Iglesias, C A; Osterheld, A L; Foord, M E; Bruns, H C; Emig, J A; Deeney, C

In order to benchmark and improve current 2D radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models of Z-pinch plasmas, we have performed experiments which characterize the plasma -conditions at stagnation. In the experiments the SATURN pulsed power facility at Sandia National Laboratory was used to create an imploding -Ar-Ne plasma. An absolutely calibrated, high resolution space- and time- resolving Johann crystal spectrometer was used to infer the electron temperature Te from the slope of the hydrogenlike Ne free-bound continuum, and the ion density ni from the Stark broadening of the Ar heliunlike Rydberg series. 2D electron temperature profiles of the plasma are obtained from a set of imaging crystals also focused on the Ne free-bound continuum. We shot two types of gas nozzles in the experiment, annular and uniform fill which varies the amount of mass in the plasma. 2D local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and non-LTE MM models predict a radiating region denser and cooler than measured.

• 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: 471334
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--125430; CONF-961110--26; ON: DE97051510
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ARGON
DENSITY
LINEAR Z PINCH DEVICES
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NEON
PLASMA
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS