Three-Dimensional Whole-Device Modeling of the FuZE Sheared-Flow-Stabilized Z Pinch

POSTER

Abstract

Two-dimensional axisymmetric resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations using the discontinuous Galerkin finite element WARPXM framework [Shumlak et al., Comput. Phys. Commun. 182, 1767 (2011)] have been performed [Datta et al., NF 64 (6), 066016 (2024)] on the FuZE sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z pinch at Zap Energy [Levitt et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 155101 (2024)]. Current work extends simulations to three dimensions, enabling modeling of non-axisymmetric effects on the plasma such as the m=1 instability. Numerical implementation details are discussed, including specifics of the curved conducting wall boundary condition on coaxial electrodes [Krivodonova & Berger, JCP 211, 492-512 (2006)]. Results from three-dimensional simulations are compared with experimental diagnostics and corresponding two-dimensional axisymmetric results.

*This research used resources of the NERSC, a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility, using NERSC award FES-ERCAP027596.This material is based (in part) upon numerical results generated by the WARPX/WARPXM code developed by U. Shumlak et al., Computational Plasma Dynamics Laboratory, Aerospace and Energetics Research Program, University of Washington.

Presenters

  • Iman Datta

    • Zap Energy

Authors

  • Iman Datta

    • Zap Energy
  • Eric T Meier

    • Zap Energy Inc.
    • Zap Energy
  • Uri Shumlak

    • University of Washington