3D Modelling of X-pinches.
Abstract
X-pinch produced plasmas are an intense source of soft x-rays generated by passing a large, fast rising current through two or more thin metallic wires crossed in the shape of <93>an "X". During the current pulse, the plasma is pinched at the crossing point where a dense Z-pinch plasma column develops. Further compression produces micron sized x-ray hot spots with energy densities in excess of ∼10^24 eV cm-3. We present 3D resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations of two- and four-wire X-pinches for a variety of wire materials. The simulations naturally follow the evolution of the X-pinch: jet-like structures on axis, formation of a Z-pinch and its subsequent rapid evolution and production of x-ray hot spots. The effects of wire material and wire number are studied with particular consideration to the relationship between the magnetic confinement and radiative cooling mechanisms, which ultimately determine the complex behaviour of the X-pinch.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003APS..DPPLP1156C