Staged Z-pinch Experiments on the University of Nevada, Reno, NTF Zebra Facility

A Staged Z-pinch$\footnote{``Staged Z Pinch", Phys.Rev.Lett.$\bf74$, 714 (1995)}$ load is tested on the University of Nevada, Reno, Zebra Facility, located at the Nevada Terawatt Facility. The annular liner was argon (1-cm radius $\times$ 0.5-cm thickness), the target was a deuterium fill (either gas, or plasma), and the axial-magnetic field was either, $B_z$ = 0, 100 G. This paper presents experimental data and analyses, including neutron-total yield and time-of-flight measurements. The results are benchmarked against the predictions from a 2D-MHD simulations. Results from this first (Spring 2016) series of experiments indicate that the initial-operating points selected for the mass injectors were sub-optimal. Design revisions are underway and changes in the injector timing will be implemented the Fall 2016 campaign. Companion papers in this session, and in poster papers, provide the basis for the SZP, designs and performance for the injectors, and details on the Zebra Facility.