Plasma and current structures in dynamic Z pinches
Abstract
The dynamics of plasma layers and the current structure in a Z pinch device have been investigated experimentally. It is found that the formation of the principal current sheath is concluded with its explosive expansion; after compression, the pinch breaks down into individual current filaments. It is also shown that the filling of the region outside the pinch with plasma and currents of alternating directions is due to the interaction between current loops generated in the magnetic piston upon its compression by the reflected shock wave. These phenomena occur with the development of overheat instabilities and may be produced in theta pinch, plasma focusing, and tokamak experiments.
- Publication:
-
Zhurnal Eksperimentalnoi i Teoreticheskoi Fiziki
- Pub Date:
- August 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981ZhETF..81..560B
- Keywords:
-
- Magnetoplasmadynamics;
- Plasma Currents;
- Plasma Layers;
- Plasma-Electromagnetic Interaction;
- Zeta Pinch;
- Gas Expansion;
- Hydrogen Plasma;
- Magnetohydrodynamic Stability;
- Plasma Compression;
- Plasma Decay;
- Plasma Sheaths;
- Shock Waves;
- Theta Pinch;
- Tokamak Devices;
- Plasma Physics