Optimization of the Neutron Source Size for Dense Plasma Focus using Particle-In-Cell Simulations

POSTER

Abstract

The dense plasma focus (DPF) devices can serve as portable neutron sources for radiography when deuterium is utilized as the filling gas. Improving the resolution of the radiography system relies on reducing the size of the neutron source generated by DPF. In this study, we employ the particle-in-cell (PIC) code Chicago1 to simulate different anode shapes at varying pressures. Our findings reveal that both the implosion radius and the slope angle of the anode significantly influence the size of the pinch column during stagnation. This aspect has a considerable impact on the neutron source size, particularly in the early stages of the neutron production process. Additionally, the pressure of the filling gas determines the collisionality of the pinch plasma, which further affects compression. We will present a detailed comparison of these factors.

[1]. C. Thoma, D. R. Welch, R. E. Clark, D. V. Rose, and I. E. Golovkin. Physics of Plasmas, 24, 6 2017.

*This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Presenters

  • Sheng Jiang

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Authors

  • Sheng Jiang

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Anthony J Link

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Enrique Anaya

    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL

  • Justin R Angus

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Paul M Campbell

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL

  • Steven F Chapman

    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL

  • Christopher Cooper

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL

  • Owen B Drury

    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL
    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Clement S Goyon

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Drew Higginson

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Luis Frausto

    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL

  • Donald Max

    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Mission Support and Test Services
    • LLNL

  • Matthew M McMahon

    • Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Jaebum Park

    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL

  • Sophia V Rocco

    • LLNL
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • James K Walters

    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL

  • Amanda Youmans

    • Lawrence Livermore natl laboratory
    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Andrea Schmidt

    • Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    • LLNL