Simulations of Dense Plasma Focus with Local Mass Injection

ORAL

Abstract

Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) pulsed power device is a type of z-pinch used to provide short pulses of fusion or spallation neutrons. MHD simulations of DPFs supplement the experiments, in helping to choose experimental setups and uncover physics behind experimental measurements. We can model classic static-fill DPFs as well as DPFs with local mass injection – either by plasma gun or a gas puff on axis. Generators of varying maximum current and inductance are used to drive DPFs. The ongoing simulations and experiments involve local plasma injection and an axial gas puff, as well as conventional static fill. While we understand basic scaling related to MHD dynamics, there are several areas where the understanding is lacking. For example, most experiments use rods for the cathode (outer conductor), which allows gas and plasma to escape out of the space between anode and cathode. We perform 3D numerical simulations to understand this phenomenon and compare the results with conventional approach that assumes cylindrical symmetry and special boundary conditions.

*This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office, Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) Test and Evaluation/Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) Program. These projects are funded by the T&E/S&T Program through the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) Instrumentation Management Office (IMO).Disclaimer:Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of, nor constitute endorsement by, the Department of Defense or Army, including but not limited to the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) Test and Evaluation/Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) Program and/or the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training & Instrumentation (PEO STRI).

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Presenters

  • Andrey R Beresnyak

    • US NAVAL RESEARSCH LABORATORY

Authors

  • Andrey R Beresnyak

    • US NAVAL RESEARSCH LABORATORY

  • Stuart L Jackson

    • United States Naval Research Laboratory

  • Eric Ryan Kaiser

    • United States Naval Research Laboratory

  • Christopher J Butcher

    • University of Nevada, Reno

  • Victor L Kantsyrev

    • University of Nevada, Reno

  • Alla S Safronova

    • University of Nevada, Reno

  • Robert J Commisso

    • United States Naval Research Laboratory

  • Alexander L Velikovich

    • US Naval Research Laboratory

  • Joseph W Schumer

    • United States Naval Research Laboratory

  • Arati Dasgupta

    • U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
    • US Naval Research Laboratory