The ZaP Flow Z-Pinch Project

Shumlak, U. ; Nelson, B. A.

Uri Shumlak, University of Washington

关键词: 70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology;    43 Particle Accelerators;    Stabilization;    Plasma;    Stability;   

DOI  :  10.2172/850058
RP-ID  :  NONE
RP-ID  :  FG03-98ER54460
RP-ID  :  850058

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The results from the ZaP experiment are consistent with the theoretical predictions of sheared flow stabilization. Z pinches with a sheared flow are generated in the ZaP experiment using a coaxial accelerator coupled to an assembly region. The current sheet in the accelerator initially acts as a snowplow. As the Z pinch forms, plasma formation in the accelerator transits to a deflagration process. The plasma exits the accelerator and maintains the flow in the Z pinch. During the quiescent period in the magnetic mode activity at z=0 cm, a stable Z pinch is seen on the axis of the assembly region. The evolution of the axial velocity profile shows a large velocity shear is measured at the edge of the Z pinch during the quiescent period. The velocity shear is above the theoretical threshold. As the velocity shear decreases towards 0.1kV{sub A}, the predicted stability threshold, the quiescent period ends. The present understanding of the ZaP experiment shows that it may be possible for the Z pinch to operate in a steady state if the deflagration process can be maintained by constantly supplying neutral gas or plasma to the accelerator.