Implosion Dynamics of Al/W Double Planar Wire Array Z-pinches on University-Scale Generators

Abstract

Sandia National Labs is currently planning the development of large-scale Linear Transformer Driver (LTD) generators capable of delivering up to 65-MA current for inertial confinement fusion research. Recently, the first Double Planar Wire Array (DPWA) Z-pinch experiments on an LTD generator were done in a collaborative effort between the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Michigan. By studying PWAs at the university scale, PWA experiments can be more efficiently designed for large scale LTD generators. Using multi-frame shadowgraphy and the Wire Ablation Dynamics Model, uniform Al and mixed Al/W DPWAs on the 0.5-1 MA MAIZE LTD at UM are analyzed and used to understand how various loads influence implosion characteristics. Analysis of experiments of similar aspect ratio (defined as array width divided by interplanar gap) showed significant differences in the implosion dynamics when compared with previous research.