Computational Scaling Laws for Plasma Jet Driven Magneto-inertial Fusion

The Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) BETHE recently demonstrated formation of an imploding plasma liner via the merging of 36 discrete jets. Magnetized targets have been routinely formed by head on collision of two hydrogen jets magnetized by the interaction with fields from external solenoids. Agreement has been achieved between these experiments and our 3D simulation tool SPFMax, providing confidence to perform integrated simulations including plasma liner formation, magnetized target formation, and target compression. We perform a series of simulations to study effects of plasma jet initial conditions on liner formation, target compression, and magnetic field history in the target to identify salient parameters governing peak stagnation temperature, pressure, and magnetic field. Scaling of fusion yield for reactor relevant conditions will be presented.