Modeling of the hawk dense plasma focus (DPF) device using USIM

We compare MHD simulation results to experimental measurements taken from a dense plasma focus driven by the HAWK pulsed-power generator (0.65 MA peak current, 1.2 μs rise time). USim is a 3D capable, fluid plasma modeling framework that simulates the dynamics of charged fluids using the ideal MHD equations, among others. The DPF device is modeled using an unstructured mesh, and initial conditions are applied to account for plasma injected radially inward by 3 Marshall guns, as well as additional mass injected by an on-axis gas puff valve. The non-axisymmetric nature of the Marshall guns means that full 3D simulations are required, though 2D simulations are compared as well. The initial conditions were varied to determine their effect on the pinch. Simulated current, voltage, inductance and neutron yield are compared with experimental results. We also calculate simulated x-ray and optical images of the plasma and compare with experiment.