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Implosion and scaling study of a 2-D axisymmetric field-reversed configuration for pulsed-power liner fusion

POSTER

Abstract

Field-reversed configurations are being explored as potential targets for pulsed-powered implosions due to their unique plasma confinement structure offering reduced thermal end losses. Numerical simulations initialize a 2-D axisymmetric FRC equilibrium profile derived from the Grad-Shafranov equation, which is then imploded for a range of initial temperatures (100 - 500 eV), peak magnetic fields (10 - 30 T), and peak densities (10^-4 g/cm^3 - 10^-3 g/cm^3). Simulations are conducted via HYDRA - a single fluid, multi-material, arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) radiation, hydrodynamics code - which includes Ohmic heating, Nernst, Righi-Leduc, Hall physics, and anisotropic thermal conduction effects. The field-reversal, which is not studied here, is anticipated to be achieved using the AutoMag liner. The state parameters and liner dynamics will be investigated, particularly at peak compression, to determine the implosion velocity, compression ratio, and neutron yield.

Presenters

  • Jeffrey Contri

Authors

  • Jeffrey Contri

  • Matt R Weis

    Sandia National Laboratories

  • William A Farmer

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Bhuvana Srinivasan

    University of Washington