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Title: Computational modeling of Krypton gas puffs with tailored mass density profiles on Z

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4921154· OSTI ID:1235346

Large diameter multi-shell gas puffs rapidly imploded by high current (~20 MA, ~100 ns) on the Z generator of Sandia National Laboratories are able to produce high-intensity Krypton K-shell emission at ~13 keV. Efficiently radiating at these high photon energies is a significant challenge which requires the careful design and optimization of the gas distribution. To facilitate this, we hydrodynamically model the gas flow out of the nozzle and then model its implosion using a 3-dimensional resistive, radiative MHD code (GORGON). This approach enables us to iterate between modeling the implosion and gas flow from the nozzle to optimize radiative output from this combined system. Furthermore, guided by our implosion calculations, we have designed gas profiles that help mitigate disruption from Magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor implosion instabilities, while preserving sufficient kinetic energy to thermalize to the high temperatures required for K-shell emission.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000; AC04- 94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1235346
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1228174
Report Number(s):
SAND-2015-0769J; PHPAEN; 562633
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 22, Issue 5; ISSN 1070-664X
Publisher:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 10 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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  • Harvey-Thompson, A. J.; Jones, B.; Jennings, C. A.
  • 2014 IEEE 41st International Conference on Plasma Sciences (ICOPS) held with 2014 IEEE International Conference on High-Power Particle Beams (BEAMS) https://doi.org/10.1109/PLASMA.2014.7012501
conference May 2014
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Cited By (3)

Simulations of Ar gas-puff Z-pinch radiation sources with double shells and central jets on the Z generator journal October 2016
Enhancing the x-ray output of a single-wire explosion with a gas-puff based plasma opening switch journal February 2018
Observations of the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability and shock dynamics in gas-puff Z-pinch experiments journal July 2018

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