Stagnation Energetics of Triple Nozzle Gas-Puff Z-Pinches on COBRA

Gas-puff z-pinches are efficient sources of x-rays or neutrons, making them attractive candidates for magneto-inertial fusion applications. Despite their simplicity, mechanisms governing energy transport remain unresolved and the role of turbulence during stagnation continues to be debated. Here, we present an energy inventory analysis of triple-nozzle argon z-pinches on the 1-MA, 220 ns rise-time COBRA generator, examining implosions with and without applied axial magnetic fields. Coupled energy is inferred from current and voltage traces, while spatially and temporally resolved plasma parameters are obtained using gated and streaked Thomson scattering (TS). Radiated energy is quantified using filtered photodiodes and a bolometer. To assess the contribution of turbulence, the TS spectra is fit using a model that separates thermal broadening from non-thermal broadening representing turbulent flows within the collection volume. This approach enables tracking of turbulent kinetic energy throughout stagnation. The measurements provide new insight into energy partitioning in magnetized high-energy-density plasmas and clarify conditions under which turbulence may be energetically significant.