Thermonuclear fusion by Z-. Theta. pinch
- Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Riverside, CA (USA)
- Department of Physics, University of California, Irvine, CA (USA)
A new scheme to achieve controlled thermonuclear fusion, based upon the hybrid concept of the Z-{Theta} pinch, is described. In this scheme fusion conditions may be achieved by placing a small diameter fiber or straw coaxial with an annular gas puff Z-pinch and axial magnetic field. The imploding annular Z-pinch entrains the axial field compressing it rapidly to megagauss values. This induces an azimuthal {theta} pinch current on the fiber surface with a rise time at least an order of magnitude faster than the Z-current rise time. The ultrahigh magnetic field traps fusion alpha particles and the sheared magnetic field is more stable than linear pinch configurations. Preliminary experimental data, obtained using the UCI Z-pinch facility, confirm the qualitative features of this concept including the generation of the fiber plasma and improved stability. We have modeled this coupled Z-{Theta} pinch system, including major heating and energy loss mechanisms, and developed basic scaling laws for this scheme. This paper summarizes results obtained to date.
- OSTI ID:
- 6503977
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8904107--
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (USA), Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (USA) Vol. 195:1; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPC
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
CONFINEMENT
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FUSION YIELD
LINEAR PINCH DEVICES
LINEAR THETA PINCH DEVICES
LINEAR Z PINCH DEVICES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUCLEAR REACTION YIELD
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PINCH DEVICES
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA PRODUCTION
PLASMA SIMULATION
SIMULATION
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TRAPS
YIELDS