Dense hydrogen layers for high performance MagLIF

Journal Article · 16 February 2022 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0081177 · OSTI ID:1855793

Slutz, S. A.  ^[1]; Awe, T. J.  ^[1]; Crabtree, J. A. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

We report that Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) experiments driven by the Z machine produce >10¹³ deuterium-deuterium fusion reactions. Simulations indicate high yields and gains (1000) with increased current and deuterium-tritium layers for burn propagation. Such a coating also isolates the metal liner from the gaseous fuel, which should reduce mixing of liner material into the fuel. However, the vapor density at the triple point is only 0.3 kg/m3, which is not high enough for MagLIF operation. We present two solutions to this problem. First, a fuel wetted low-density plastic foam can be used to form a layer on the inside of the liner. The desired vapor density can be obtained by controlling the temperature. This does however introduce carbon into the layer which will enhance radiation losses. Simulations indicate that this wetted foam layer can significantly contribute to the fusion yield when the foam density is less than 35 kg/m³. Second, we show that a pure frozen fuel layer can first be formed on the inside of the liner and then low temperature gaseous fuel can be introduced just before the implosion without melting a significant amount of the ice layer. This approach is the most promising for MagLIF to produce high yield and gain.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 1855793
• Report Number(s): SAND2022-1929J; 703566
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 29; ISSN 1070-664X
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English