Radiative collapse of a Z pinch in hydrogen and helium

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Phys Fluids B; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.858915· OSTI ID:5819883

Robson, A E

The radiative collapse of a Z pinch in hydrogen or helium is examined from a practical viewpoint. The maximum density that may be achieved is calculated by modifying the Pease--Braginskii current to include the effect of opacity and by incorporating the pinch into a realistic circuit. It is found that the maximum density is increased by the addition of series inductance inside the vacuum chamber. In most cases the density limit is determined by the pinch becoming optically thick, although for low line density and large series inductance the limit may be set by the onset of electron degeneracy. Pinches in hydrogen lead to denser collapsed states than pinches in helium.

• Research Organization: Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375-5000 (US)
• OSTI ID: 5819883
• Journal Information: Phys Fluids B; (United States), Journal Name: Phys Fluids B; (United States) Vol. 1:9; ISSN PFBPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
CONFIGURATION
CYLINDRICAL CONFIGURATION
ELEMENTS
EQUILIBRIUM
FLUIDS
GASES
HELIUM
HYDROGEN
LINEAR PINCH DEVICES
LINEAR Z PINCH DEVICES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NONMETALS
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PINCH DEVICES
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA PRESSURE
RARE GASES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES