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Steady state Z-pinch profiles

Book ·
OSTI ID:6399449
 [1]
  1. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA). Lab. of Plasma Studies
The one dimensional, steady-state solutions of a Z-pinch are re-examined, especially to see how the competition between ohmic heating and radiative cooling affects the profiles of plasma properties. It is found that the profiles are sensitive to the particular model adopted for the transport of current (resistivity) and energy (thermal conductivity). Strictly speaking, none of the solutions examined provides a physically satisfactory solution for pinch equilibria within a finite radius. Nor is there clear evidence that equilibrium solutions contract in radius as the pinch current is increased and the Pease value is approached, although in some models a singularity of sorts occurs at a critical value of the current. As a consequence, one might question the usefulness of one dimensional, stead-state formulations in trying to understand the dynamics of high current Z-pinches and their apparent stability.
OSTI ID:
6399449
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English