1. Science Server at LANL
Computational and experimental investigation of magnetized target fusion
Sheehey, P.; Guzik, J.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Lindemuth, I.; Scudder, D.; Wysocki, F.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Boston, MA, USA; June 3, 1996
pp. 110
Summary form only given, as follows. In magnetized target fusion (MTF), a preheated and magnetized target plasma is hydrodynamically compressed to fusion conditions. Because the magnetic field suppresses losses by electron thermal conduction in the fuel during the target implosion heating process, the compression may be over a much longer time scale than in traditional inertial confinement fusion. Bigger targets and much lower initial target densities than in ICF can be used, reducing radiative energy losses. Therefore, "liner-on-plasma" compressions, driven by relatively inexpensive electrical pulsed power, may be practical. Potential MTF target plasmas must meet minimum temperature, density, and magnetic field starting conditions, and must remain relatively free of high-Z radiation-cooling-enhancing contaminants. At Los Alamos National Laboratory, computational and experimental research is being pursued into MTF target plasmas, such as deuterium-fiber-initiated Z-pinches, and the Russian-originated "MAGO" plasma. In addition, liner-on-plasma compressions of such target plasmas to fusion conditions are being computationally modeled, and experimental investigation of such heavy liner implosions has begun.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1996i0306&article=110_caeiomtf
PLASMA
2. Science Server at LANL
Computational modeling of pulsed-power-driven magnetized target fusion experiments
Sheehey, P.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Lindemuth, I.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Albuquerque, NM, USA; July 3, 1995
pp. 1030 - 1035
Direct magnetic drive using electrical pulsed power has been considered impractically slow for traditional inertial confinement implosion of fusion targets. However, if the target contains a preheated, magnetized plasma, magnetothermal insulation may allow the near-adiabatic compression of such a target to fusion conditions on a much slower time scale. 100 MJ-class explosive flux compression generators, with implosion kinetic energies far beyond those available with conventional fusion drivers, are an inexpensive means to investigate such magnetized target fusion (MTF) systems. One means of obtaining the preheated and magnetized plasma required for an MTF system is the recently reported "MAGO" concept. MAGO is a unique, explosive-pulsed-power driven discharge in two cylindrical chambers joined by an annular nozzle. Joint Russian-American MAGO experiments have reported D-T neutron yields in excess of 1013 from this plasma preparation stage alone, without going on to the proposed separately driven MTF implosion of the main plasma chamber. 2-D MHD computational modeling of MAGO discharges shows good agreement with experiments. The calculations suggest that after the observed neutron pulse, a diffuse Z-pinch plasma with temperature in excess of 100 eV is created, which may be suitable for subsequent MTF implosion, in a heavy liner magnetically driven by explosive pulsed power. Other MTF concepts, such as fiber-initiated Z-pinch target plasmas, are also being computationally and theoretically evaluated. The status of the authors' modeling efforts are reported.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1995i0307_2&article=1030_cmopmtfe
PPC
3. Science Server at LANL
Target development for magnetized target fusion at LANL
Wysocki, F.J.; Sheehey, P.T.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Boston, MA, USA; June 3, 1996
pp. 250
Summary form only given. Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is an approach to fusion where a preheated and magnetized plasma is adiabatically compressed to fusion conditions. Compared to traditional inertial confinement fusion (ICF), the magnetic field substantially reduces electron thermal conduction losses, and lower initial density (of order 1018 cm-3) reduces radiation losses. This allows the larger targets (cm scale) to be imploded at much reduced speed (
1 cm/μS).
Successful MTF requires a suitable initial target plasma with a magnetic field
of at least 5 T in a closed-field-line topology, a density of roughly 1018
cm-3, a temperature of at least 50 eV, and must be free of impurities
which would raise radiation losses. The required compression ratio needed to
reach fusion conditions is directly dependent on the initial plasma temperature,
and thus, an initial temperature of 100-300 eV would be desirable. Target plasma
generation experiments are beginning at Los Alamos National Laboratory using the
Colt facility; a 0.25 MJ, 
3 μs
rise-time capacitor bank. The goal of these experiments is to demonstrate plasma
conditions meeting the minimum requirements for a MTF initial target plasma. The
first experiments will examine Z-pinches produced in a 2 cm radius by 2 cm high
conducting wall, using either a gas-fill (with possible laser-initiated channel
along the geometric axis), or a frozen deuterium fiber along the axis. The
experimental design and any preliminary data will be presented.http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1996i0306&article=250_tdfmtfal
PLASMA
4. Science Server at LANL
MHD modeling of magnetized target fusion experiments
Sheehey, P.T.; Faehl, R.J.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 491
Summary form only given. Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is an alternate approach to controlled fusion in which a dense
10 e 17-18 cm-3, preheated
200 eV, and magnetized
100 kG target plasma is
hydrodynamically compressed by an imploding liner. If electron thermal
conduction losses are magnetically suppressed, relatively slow
1 cm/microsecond "liner-on-plasma"
compressions may be practical, using liners driven by inexpensive pulsed power.
Target plasmas need to remain relatively free of potentially cooling
contaminants during formation and compression. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)
calculations including detailed effects of radiation, heat conduction, and
resistive field diffusion have been used to model separate static target plasma
(Russian MAGO, Field Reversed Configuration at Los Alamos National Laboratory)
and liner implosion experiments (without plasma fill), such as recently
performed at the Air Force Research Laboratory (Albuquerque). Using several
different codes, proposed experiments in which such liners are used to compress
such target plasmas are now being modeled in one and two dimensions. In this
way, it is possible to begin to investigate important issues for the design of
such proposed liner-on-plasma fusion experiments. The competing processes of
implosion, heating, mixing, and cooling will determine the potential for such
MTF experiments to achieve fusion conditions.http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706&article=491_mmomtfe
PPPOS
5. Science Server at LANL
MHD modeling of magnetized target fusion experiments
Sheehey, P.T.; Faehl, R.J.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 1603 - 1606
Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is an alternate approach to controlled fusion in which a dense (O(1017-18 cm-3)), preheated (O(200 eV)), and magnetized (O(100 kG)) target plasma is hydrodynamically compressed by an imploding liner. If electron thermal conduction losses are magnetically suppressed, relatively slow O(1 cm/microsecond) "liner-on-plasma" compressions may be practical, using liners driven by inexpensive electrical pulsed power. Target plasmas need to remain relatively free of potentially cooling contaminants during formation and compression. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) calculations including detailed effects of radiation, heat conduction, and resistive field diffusion have been used to model separate target plasma (Russian MAGO, Field Reversed Configuration at Los Alamos National Laboratory) and liner implosion experiments (without plasma fill), such as recently performed at the Air Force Research Laboratory (Albuquerque). Using several different codes, proposed experiments in which such liners are used to compress such target plasmas are now being modeled in one and two dimensions. In this way, it is possible to begin to investigate important issues for the design of such proposed liner-on-plasma fusion experiments. The competing processes of implosion, heating, mixing, and cooling will determine the potential for such MTF experiments to achieve fusion conditions.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706_2&article=1603_mmomtfe
PPPS
6. Science Server at LANL
Computational modeling of pulsed-power-driven magnetized target fusion experiments
Sheehey, P.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Lindemuth, I.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Madison, WI, USA; June 5, 1995
pp. 253 - 254
Summary form only given, as follows. Direct magnetic drive using electrical pulsed power has been considered impractically slow for traditional inertial confinement implosion of fusion targets. However, if the target contains a preheated, magnetized plasma, magnetothermal insulation may allow the near-adiabatic compression of such a target to fusion conditions on a much slower time scale. 100-MJ-class explosive flux compression generators, with implosion kinetic energies far beyond those available with conventional fusion drivers, are an inexpensive means to investigate such magnetized target fusion (MTF) systems. One means of obtaining the preheated and magnetized plasma required for an MTF system is the recently reported "MAGO" concept. MAGO is a unique, explosive-pulsed-power-driven discharge in two cylindrical chambers joined by an annular nozzle. Joint Russian-American MAGO experiments have reported D-T neutron yields in excess of 1013 from this plasma preparation stage alone, without going on to the proposed separately driven MTF implosion of the main plasma chamber. Two-dimensional MHD computational modeling of MAGO discharges shows good agreement to experiment. The calculations suggest that after the observed neutron pulse, a diffuse Z-pinch plasma with temperature in excess of 100 eV is created, which may be suitable for subsequent MTF implosion, in a heavy liner magnetically driven by explosive pulsed power. Other MTF concepts, such as fiber-initiated Z-pinch target plasmas, are also being computationally and theoretically evaluated. The status of our modeling efforts are reported.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1995i0506&article=253_cmopmtfe
PLASMA
7. Science Server at LANL
Computational investigation of plasma-wall interaction issues in magnetized target fusion
Sheehey, P.; Atchison, W.; Faehl, R.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Lindemuth, I.; Siemon, R.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Monterey, CA, USA; June 27, 1999
pp. 888 - 891
In the concept known as magnetized target fusion (MTF) in the United States and magnitnoye obzhatiye (MAGO) in Russia, a preheated and magnetized target plasma is hydrodynamically compressed to fusion conditions. Because the magnetic field suppresses losses by electron thermal conduction in the fuel during the target implosion heating process, the implosion velocity may be much smaller than in traditional inertial fusion. Hence "liner-on-plasma" magnetically driven using relatively inexpensive electrical pulsed power, may be practical. The relatively dense, hot target plasma, with starting conditions O(1018 cm-3, 100 eV, 100 kG), may spend 10 or more microseconds in contact with a metal wall during formation and compression. Influx of a significant amount of high-Z wall material during this time could lead to excessive cooling by dilution and radiation that would prevent the desired near-adiabatic compression heating of the plasma to fusion conditions. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) calculations including detailed effects of radiation, heat conduction, and resistive field diffusion are being done, using several different computer codes, to investigate such plasma-wall interaction issues in ongoing MTF target plasma experiments and in proposed liner-on-plasma MTF experiments.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1999i2706_2&article=888_ciopiiimtf
PPC
8. Science Server at LANL
Computational investigation of plasma-wall interaction issues in magnetized target fusion
Sheehey, P.; Atchison, W.; Faehl, R.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Lindemuth, I.; Siemon, R.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Monterey, CA, USA; June 20, 1999
pp. 109
Summary form only given. In the concept known as Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) in the United States and Magnitnoye Obzhatiye (MAGO) in Russia, a preheated and magnetized target plasma is hydrodynamically compressed to fusion conditions. Because the magnetic field suppresses losses by electron thermal conduction in the fuel during the target implosion heating process, the implosion velocity may be much smaller than in traditional inertial confinement fusion. Hence "liner-on-plasma" compressions, magnetically driven using relatively inexpensive electrical pulsed power, may be practical. The relatively dense, hot target plasma, with starting conditions O(1018 cm-3, 100 eV, 100 kG), may spend 10 or more microseconds in contact with a metal wall during formation and compression. Influx of a significant amount of high-Z wall material during this time could lead to excessive cooling by dilution and radiation that would prevent the desired near-adiabatic compression heating of the plasma to fusion conditions. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) calculations including detailed effects of radiation, heat conduction, and resistive field diffusion are being done, using several different computer codes, to investigate such plasma-wall interaction issues in ongoing MTF target plasma experiments and in proposed liner-on-plasma MTF experiments.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1999i2006&article=109_ciopiiimtf
PLASMA
9. Science Server at LANL
Implosion and ignition of magnetized cylindrical targets driven by heavy-ion beams
Meyer-ter-Vehn, J.
Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Str. 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
Nuclear Fusion ; January 01, 2003; vol.43, no.1, pp. 16-24
Implosions of cylindrical targets, directly driven by heavy-ion beams irradiated along the cylinder axis, are investigated by one-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic simulations. In order to reduce heat losses from the hot fuel, which is enclosed by a metallic tamper, an axial magnetic field is introduced in the targets prior to implosions. We find that diffusive loss of magnetic flux out of the fuel leads to an accumulation of fuel material next to the cold pusher, causing a major problem for the efficiency of magnetized implosions. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is an important application of magnetized cylindrical implosions. Looking for an optimum reference configuration for MTF with heavy-ion beams, we find the ignition threshold of magnetized cylindrical fusion targets to be at a driver pulse energy of about 10 MJ per centimetre target length; this value is nearly independent of target size and driver power, while the fuel temperature is required to be larger than 50 eV prior to implosions. Finally, we compare our reference case of an igniting MTF target to a standard indirect-drive heavy-ion fusion target.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=00295515&issue=v43i0001&article=16_iaiomctdbhb
10. Science Server at LANL
The inverse Z-pinch as a physics test bed, and, possibly, a target plasma, for magnetized target fusion
Lindemuth, I.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Sheehey, P.; Siemon, R.; Bauer, B.; Makhin, V.; Presura, R.; Fuelling, S.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Banff, Alta., Canada; May 26, 2002
pp. 235
Summary form only given, as follows. From an overall fusion system perspective, the possibility of compressing a magnetized target plasma with beta greater than unity by a magnetically driven imploding liner, or other target pusher driver, appears very exciting. This approach, known as magnetized target fusion (MTF), operates in a density regime that is intermediate between the twelve orders of magnitude in density that separate MFE and ICF. Even if plasma transport is Bohm-like, the MTF parameter space appears accessible with existing drivers, i.e., MTF does not require a major financial investment in driver technology. The confinement directly by material walls and the thermal transport of magnetized, high-beta plasma in the MTF regime has been studied only a little, theoretically, computationally, and experimentally. We are computationally evaluating, using the well-benchmarked two-dimensional radiation-MHD code MHRDR, and other tools as appropriate, the inverse z-pinch as an experimental test bed to study MTF transport and confinement. Existing facilities being considered include the 2terawatt Zebra generator at the Nevada Terawatt Facility, the Colt capacitor bank at LANL, and the Atlas capacitor bank at LANL. According to MHRDR, the plasma is expected to evolve into a near-equilibrium. Thin sheaths next to the outer cylinder and end walls contain steep temperature and density gradients. The plasma should take microseconds to cool, even in the presence of considerable convection. This cooling rate is much slower than would result if free-streaming losses of ions or unmagnetized-electron conduction losses were present. Experimental verification and understanding of the energy transport in this simple wall-confined plasma would provide increased confidence in the design of integrated liner-on-plasma experiments. We are also evaluating the inverse z-pinch as an MTF target plasma for integrated liner-on-plasma experiments.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2002i2605&article=235_tizaaptpfmtf
PLASMA
11. Science Server at LANL
A Physics Exploratory Experiment on Plasma Liner Formation
Thio, Y. C. Francis; Knapp, Charles E.; Kirkpatrick, Ronald C.; Siemon, Richard E.; Turchi, Peter J.
Journal of Fusion Energy ; June 2001; vol.20, no.1, pp. 1-11
Momentum flux for imploding a target plasma in magnetized target fusion (MTF) may be delivered by an array of plasma guns launching plasma jets that would merge to form an imploding plasma shell (liner). In this paper, we examine what would be a worthwhile experiment to explore the dynamics of merging plasma jets to form a plasma liner as a first step in establishing an experimental database for plasma-jets-driven magnetized target fusion (PJETS-MTF). Using past experience in fusion energy research as a model, we envisage a four-phase program to advance the art of PJETS-MTF to fusion breakeven (Q
1). The experiment (PLX) described
in this paper serves as Phase 1 of this four-phase program. The logic underlying
the selection of the experimental parameters is presented. The experiment
consists of using 12 plasma guns arranged in a circle, launching plasma jets
toward the center of a vacuum chamber. The velocity of the plasma jets chosen is
200 km/s, and each jet is to carry a mass of 0.2 mg to 0.4 mg. A candidate
plasma accelerator for launching these jets consists of a coaxial plasma gun of
the Marshall type. http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=01640313&issue=v20i0001&article=1_apeeoplf
12. Science Server at LANL
An embodiment of the magnetized target fusion concept in a spherical geometry with stand-off drivers
Thio, Y.C.F.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Knapp, C.; Panarella, E.; Wysocki, F.J.; Parks, P.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Raleigh, NC, USA; June 1, 1998
pp. 266
Summary form only given. An innovative fusion scheme, embodying the principles of magnetized target fusion (MTF), in which the initial magnetized target and a plasma liner containing a cold fuel layer are introduced into the reactor vessel in a stand-off manner, is discussed. Two compact toroids containing fusionable materials are introduced into a spherical reactor target chamber in a diametrically opposing manner. Embedded in the compact toroids are force-free magnetic fields in Woltjer-Wells-Taylor's state of minimum energy, which are known experimentally to be extraordinarily stable. They collide in the center to form an initial magnetized target plasma. A spherical distribution of plasma jets are then launched from the periphery of the vessel, coalescing to form a converging spherical plasma liner. On impact with the central plasma, the plasma liner sends a shock wave through it, shock heating it to some elevated temperature (above 100 eV) which sets the initial adiabat for subsequent compression. The high temperature immediately raises the electrical conductivity of the plasma to the extent that it traps the magnetic flux inside the central plasma, The central plasma is further compressed by the plasma liner and heated nearly adiabatically to conditions for thermonuclear burn, the magnetic flux being compressed with it. The thermal loss rate, greatly reduced by the high magnetic fields, are sufficiently low that the compression heating can be achieved relatively slowly using plasma jets with velocity of the order of 10-50 cm per microsecond, velocities which have been achieved in the laboratory using electromagnetic acceleration.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1998i0106&article=266_aeotmtasgwsd
PLASMA
13. Science Server at LANL
Proposed generation and compression of a target plasma for MTF
Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Thurston, R.S.; Chrein, R.E.; Guzik, J.A.; Sgro, A.G.; Scudder, D.W.; Wysocki, F.J.; Fernandez, J.C.; Shlachter, J.S.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Albuquerque, NM, USA; July 3, 1995
pp. 1047 - 1051
Magnetized target fusion (MTF), in which a magnetothermally insulated plasma is hydrodynamically compressed to fusion conditions, represents an approach to controlled fusion which avoids difficulties of both traditional inertial confinement and magnetic confinement approaches. It appears possible to compress a magnetothermally insulated plasma to fusion ignition conditions using existing, relatively inexpensive drivers, such as pulsed power devices (including explosive pulsed power). Hence, MTF may represent a means to demonstrate and study ignited plasmas with a very small capital investment. An ongoing LANL explosive pulsed power collaboration with the Russian VNIIEF Laboratory at Arzamas 16 is partly motivated by this application. We are proposing to demonstrate the feasibility of magnetized target fusion by: (1) creating a suitable magnetized target plasma, and (2) performing preliminary liner compression experiments using existing pulsed power facilities and demonstrated liner performance. The required plasma conditions vary for different drivers, but are approximately described by temperature >50 eV, density >10-6 gm/cm3, current of several hundred kiloamperes, and dimensions of one to a few cm (giving an embedded magnetic field of about 50 kG). The initial candidate for creating the target plasma is a fiber-initiated Z-pinch. These pinches have already been created with relevant parameters, but need to be optimized for the MTF application. The target plasma would be diagnosed and optimized inside a static liner, using interferometry, spectroscopy, and other diagnostic tools.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1995i0307_2&article=1047_pgacoatpfm
PPC
14. Science Server at LANL
Numerical simulations of Plasma/Magnetic Field/Liner interactions in magnetized target fusion systems
Roderick, N.F.; Douglas, M.R.; Peterkin, R.E., Jr.; Turchi, P.J.; Degnan, J.H.; Frese, M.H.
Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Res. Lab., USA
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 537
Summary form only given. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) relies on magnetic field suppression of thermal transport to achieve fusion conditions at relatively low driver power. One method proposed for MTF uses an imploding liner which starts at solid density to compress a hot magnetized plasma. Analytic methods and one and two dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations are being used to study this plasma liner compression approach. Plasma from the liner walls represents a contaminant that can increase radiation losses and lower plasma temperatures below desired values. As part of this effort are we are investigating the generation and evolution of such plasmas. Energy input to the liner from thermal conduction and joule heating from both the magnetized plasma and the driving magnetic field are under study to determine their contributions to the production of contaminant and the interaction of these plasmas with the hot fusion plasma. Results from these ongoing calculations will be presented.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706&article=537_nsopfiimtfs
PPPOS
15. Science Server at LANL
Magnetized target fusion ignition conditions
de Peretti, R.; Sabatier, M.
CEA, Centre d'Etudes de Limeil-Valenton, Villeneuve St. Geor, France
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Madison, WI, USA; June 5, 1995
pp. 194
Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) consists of the hydrodynamic compression of a wall, hot, magnetized DT plasma to ignition conditions. MTF takes advantage of two benefits of a magnetic field in a plasma: reduction of the thermal conductivity and enhancement of the charged particle reaction product energy deposition. To study the ignition conditions, we evaluate the gains brought by compression and fusion and losses dissipated by bremsstrahlung, Compton, conduction and synchrotron. We are able to construct the boundaries for boot-strapping burn (dT/dt/spl ges/0) with or in absence (ICF) of magnetic field. We demonstrate that MTF ignition can occur using very low implosion velocities for plasmas with very low Rho-R and densities (by ICF standards). This is possible because the major heat loss mechanism, thermal conduction is suppressed by megagauss fields and the DT alpha particles are partially trapped within the plasma. We prove, unlike ICF, that the fusion region for MTF is sensitive to the mass of the DT in the target. This sensitivity just reflects the fact that the additional physical processes involved in MTF don't have the same dependence on density and target radius separately, so the the equations don't scale in such a simple way with Rho-R. For a target containing 10 mu-gm of DT, the MTF region is considerably smaller than for 100 mu-gm, and even the ICF region is hardly enlarged at all.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1995i0506&article=194_mtfic
PLASMA
16. Science Server at LANL
Detailed modeling of proposed liner-on-plasma fusion experiments
Sheehey, P.T.; Faehl, R.J.; Kirkptrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; New Orleans, LA, USA; June 4, 2000
pp. 218
Summary form only given, as follows. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is a potentially inexpensive approach to controlled fusion in which a preheated and magnetized target plasma is hydrodynamically compressed by an imploding liner. If electron thermal conduction losses are magnetically suppressed, relatively slow O(1 cm/microsecond) "liner-on-plasma" compressions, magnetically driven using inexpensive electrical pulsed power, may be practical. Target plasmas in the range 1018 cm-3, 100 eV, 100 kG need to remain relatively free of potentially cooling contaminants during formation and compression. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) calculations including derailed effects of radiation, heat conduction, and resistive field diffusion have been used to model separate static target plasma (Russian MACO, Z-pinch, Field Reversed Configuration) and liner implosion (without plasma fill) experiments. Using several different codes, liner-on-plasma compression experiments are now being modeled in one and two dimensions to investigate important issues for the design of proposed liner-on-plasma MTF experiments. The competing processes of implosion, heating, mixing, and cooling determine the potential for such liner-on-plasma experiments to achieve fusion conditions.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2000i0406&article=218_dmoplfe
PLASMA
17. Science Server at LANL
Computational and experimental results of a wall-supported dense Z-pinch experiment
Sheehey, P.T.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Wysocki, F.W.; Thio, Y.C.F.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Raleigh, NC, USA; June 1, 1998
pp. 322
Summary form only given. In Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) experiments, a preheated and magnetized target plasma is hydrodynamically compressed to fusion conditions by a magnetically driven liner. MTF requires initial target plasma conditions of order 1018 cm-3, 100 eV, and 100 KGauss. A deuterium-fiber-initiated dense Z-pinch experiment to reach target plasma conditions has been designed, modelled, and built at Los Alamos National Laboratory (1). This experiment is unique in that it utilizes m=0 instability to fill the 2-cm-radius plasma chamber, after which computations predict a relatively stable wall-supported condition may be found. An important issue to be addressed is whether or not heat loading on the walls, and high current density loading on the electrodes of such a pinch, will result in undesirable contamination of the plasma with high-Z material. Additions to the computational model and experimental diagnostics are being prepared to answer such questions. Detailed comparison of the modelling results with experiment will be presented.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1998i0106&article=322_caeroawdze
PLASMA
18. Science Server at LANL
DT alpha energy deposition in a magnetized plasma
Guerton, F.; de Peretti, M.; Sabatier, M.
Centre d'Etudes de Bruyeres-le-Chatel, France
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; New Orleans, LA, USA; June 4, 2000
pp. 105
Summary form only given. We present a 3D code for calculating the energy deposited as a function of the position within the plasma, assuming an arbitrary magnetic field configuration. This code tracks the very complex trajectories of the alphas, tabulating the energy along the path and terminating the trajectory when an alpha leaves the target plasma or slows to thermal velocity. The amount of energy deposited in the plasma depends on the temperature, density and radius of the plasma and on the strength and configuration of the field. We report some of our particle tracking calculations and discuss various methods for handling DT alpha energy deposition in calculations for Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF). In this case, we show the fractional deposition, averaged over volume and angle, in a homogeneous magnetized plasma with an azimuthal field and point up that the important parameter for enhancement is the field times target radius. For BR>0.5 MGcm, significant enhancement occurs and for BR>5 MGcm greatly increases energy.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2000i0406&article=105_daediamp
PLASMA
19. Science Server at LANL
Computational modeling of wall-supported dense Z-pinches
Sheehey, P.T.; Gerwin, R.A.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Wysocki, F.J.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; San Diego, CA, USA; May 19, 1997
pp. 183 - 184
Summary form only given, as follows. A new application for deuterium-fiber-initiated Z-pinches is Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), in which a preheated and magnetized target plasma is hydrodynamically compressed, by a separately driven liner, to fusion conditions. Although the conditions necessary for a suitable target plasma-density (1018 cm-3), temperature (100 eV), magnetic field (100 kG) are less extreme than those required for the previous ohmically heated fusion scheme, the plasma must remain magnetically insulated and clean long enough to be compressed by the imploding liner to fusion conditions, e.g., several microseconds. A fiber-initiated Z-pinch in a 2-cm-radius, 2-cm long conducting liner has been built at Los Alamos to investigate its suitability as an MTF target plasma. Two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic modeling of this experiment shows early instability similar to that seen on HDZP-II; however, when plasma finds support and stabilization at the outer radial wall, a relatively stable profile forms and persists. Comparison of experimental results and computations, and computational inclusion of additional experimental details is being done. Analytic and computational investigation is also being done on possible instability-driven cooling of the plasma by Benard-like convective cells adjacent to the cold wall.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1997i1905&article=183_cmowdz
PLASMA
20. Science Server at LANL
Progress with developing a target for magnetized target fusion
Wysocki, F.J.; Chrien, B.E.; Idzorek, G.; Oona, H.; Whiteson, D.O.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; San Diego, CA, USA; May 19, 1997
pp. 249
Summary form only given, as follows. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is an approach to fusion where a preheated and magnetized plasma is adiabatically compressed to fusion conditions. Successful MTF requires a suitable initial target plasma with an embedded magnetic field of at least 5 T in a closed-field-line topology, a density of roughly 1018 cm-3, a temperature of at least 50 eV, and must be free of impurities which would raise radiation losses. Target plasma generation experiments are underway at Los Alamos National Laboratory using the Colt facility; a 0.25 MJ, 2-3 μs rise-time capacitor bank. In the first experiments, a Z-pinch is produced in a 2 cm radius by 2 cm high conducting wall using a static gas-fill of hydrogen or deuterium gas in the range of 0.5 to 2 torr. Follow-on experiments will use a frozen deuterium fiber along the axis (without a gas-fill). The diagnostics include B-dot probes, framing camera, gated OMA visible spectrometer, time-resolved monochrometer, silicon photodiodes, neutron yield, and plasma-density interferometer. Operation to date has been with drive currents ranging from 0.8 MA to 1.9 MA. Optical diagnostics show that the plasma produced in the containment region lasts roughly 20 to 30 μs, and the B-dot probes show a broad current-profile in the containment region. The experimental design and data will be presented.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1997i1905&article=249_pwdatfmtf
PLASMA
21. Science Server at LANL
Progress with developing a target for magnetized target fusion
Wysocki, F.J.; Chrien, R.E.; Idzorek, G.; Oona, H.; Whiteson, D.O.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Baltimore, MA, USA; 1997
pp. 1393 - 1398
Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is an approach to fusion where a preheated and magnetized plasma is adiabatically compressed to fusion conditions. Successful MTF requires a suitable initial target plasma with an embedded magnetic field of at least 5 T in a closed-field-line topology, a density of roughly 1018 cm-3, a temperature of at least 50 eV, and must be free of impurities which would raise radiation losses. Target plasma generation experiments are underway at Los Alamos National Laboratory using the Colt facility; a 0.25 MJ, 2-3 μs rise-time capacitor bank. The goal of these experiments is to demonstrate plasma conditions meeting the minimum requirements for a MTF initial target plasma. In the first experiments, a Z-pinch is produced inside a 2 cm radius by 2 cm high conducting cylindrical metal container using a static gas-fill of hydrogen or deuterium gas in the range of 0.5 to 2 ton. Thus far, the diagnostics include an array of 12 B-dot probes, a framing camera, a gated OMA visible spectrometer, a time-resolved monochrometer, filtered silicon photodiodes, neutron yield, and plasma-density interferometers. These diagnostics show that a plasma is produced in the containment region that lasts roughly 10 to 20 μs with a maximum plasma density exceeding 1018 cm-3. The experimental design and data are presented.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1997i2906_2&article=1393_pwdatfmtf
PPC
22. Science Server at LANL
Implosion of magnetized laser targets
Gond, S.; Bourdier, A.
Dept. de Phys. Theor. et Applique, CEA, Centre d'Etudes de Bruyeres-le-Chatel, France
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; New Orleans, LA, USA; June 4, 2000
pp. 141
Summary form only given, as follows. The influence of thermal conduction on laser inertial confinement fusion is studied with a sophisticated CEA (Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique) computer code. Our results are compared to those previously obtained by Lindemuth and Kirkpatrick. A simple zero-dimensional code, describing the implosion of a magnetized target is formulated. It has been built up in order to fit as well as possible the CEA code results in the absence of thermal conduction and when no magnetic field is taken into account. The influence of the magnetic on the deposition of alpha particles and the stability of such an implosion are discussed.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2000i0406&article=141_iomlt
PLASMA
23. Science Server at LANL
Comparison of Z-pinch and theta-pinch drive for implosion of solid liners suitable for compression of Field Reversed Configurations
Degnan, J.H.; Turchi, P.J.; Siemon, R.E.
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Banff, Alta., Canada; May 26, 2002
pp. 236
A comparison of Z-pinch and theta-pinch driven implosions of metal shells (solid liners) is presented. Both schemes are feasible, and they have different advantages for compression of magnetized plasmas to magnetized target fusion conditions. The Z-pinch approach has already demonstrated at least 35% conversion efficiency from stored electrical energy to implosion kinetic energy with good implosion behavior and symmetry, and at least 13 times radial convergence of the liner inner surface. The theta-pinch approach has potential advantages for purer and easier injection of Field Reversed Configurations, easier diagnostic access, and may be more easily operated repetitively.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2002i2605&article=236_cozatdfcofrc
PLASMA
24. Science Server at LANL
Method for detection and measurement of impurities in plasmas formed and compressed to magnetized target fusion conditions
Degnan, J.H.
Air Force Res. Lab., USA
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 536
Summary form only given. Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is a means to compress plasmas to fusion conditions that uses magnetic fields to greatly reduce electron thermal conduction, thereby greatly reducing compression power density requirements. A principal technical risk is transport of impurities into the plasma during formation and compression. One way to detect and measure such impurities is to use time and space resolved vacuum ultra violet spectroscopy. An inexpensive way to attempt this is to use arrays of silicon PIN or similar detectors, with different filters and the use of spectrum deconvolution techniques for time resolved spectral resolution, and to use two or more such arrays with collimation for spatial resolution. Some analytic and numerical studies, using a proposed array of 12 different response functions via different filtered 250 micron thick Si PIN detectors, indicate that this approach is feasible during compression, and perhaps prior to compression.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706&article=536_mfdamoctmtfc
PPPOS
25. Science Server at LANL
Analysis of data from Z-pinch MTF target plasma experiments
Wysocki, F.J.; Taccetti, J.M.; Gerwin, R.A.; Benage, J.F.; Idzorek, G.; Oona, H.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Monterey, CA, USA; June 27, 1999
pp. 700 - 703
The Los Alamos National Laboratory Colt facility has been used to create target plasma for magnetized target fusion (MTF). The primary results regarding magnetic field, plasma density, plasma temperature and hot plasma lifetime are summarized and the suitability of these plasma targets for MTF is assessed.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1999i2706_2&article=700_aodfzmtpe
PPC
26. Science Server at LANL
Measurement of MTF target plasma temperature using filtered photodiodes
Taccetti, J.M.; Wysocki, F.J.; Idzorek, G.; Oona, H.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Monterey, CA, USA; June 27, 1999
pp. 696 - 699
Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is an approach to fusion where a preheated and magnetized plasma is adiabatically compressed to fusion conditions. Successful. MTF requires a suitable initial target plasma with a magnetic field of at least 5 T in a closed-field-line topology, a density of roughly 1018 cm-3, a temperature of at least 50 eV but preferably closer to 300 eV, and must be free of impurities which would raise radiation losses. The goal of these experiments is to demonstrate plasma conditions meeting the requirements for an MTF initial target plasma. The plasma is produced by driving a z-directed current of 1-2 MA through either a static gas-fill or a 38 μm diameter polyethylene fiber. The data obtained from an array of filtered photodiodes is used to estimate the plasma temperature. The filter material and thickness for each diode is chosen such that the lowest absorption edge for each is at a successively higher energy, covering the range from a few eV to 5 keV. The analysis assumes a fully stripped optically thin plasma which radiates as either a blackbody, a bremsstrahlung emitter, or a group of emission lines (gaussian-like).
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1999i2706_2&article=696_momtptufp
PPC
27. Science Server at LANL
ITER and the path of minimum risk in fusion
Panarella, E.
Adv. Laser & Fusion Technol. Inc., Hull, Que., Canada
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Raleigh, NC, USA; June 1, 1998
pp. 286
Summary form only given. An analysis will be presented on ITER based on heat transfer considerations that will show the difficulties this machine will have to reach ignition. Based on this result, it will be argued that any inertial confinement scheme has a better chance to reach ignition. In particular, a case will be made for the spherical pinch, or its equivalent alternate concept, magnetized target fusion, as a scheme that offers a path of minimum risk for ignition.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1998i0106&article=286_iatpomrif
PLASMA
28. Science Server at LANL
Measurement of MTF target plasma temperature using filtered photodiodes
Taccetti, J.M.; Wysocki, F.J.; Idzorek, G.; Oona, H.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.; Thio, F.Y.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Monterey, CA, USA; June 20, 1999
pp. 288
Summary form only given. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is an approach to fusion where a preheated and magnetized plasma is adiabatically compressed to fusion conditions. Successful MTF requires a suitable initial target plasma with a magnetic field of at least 5 T in a closed-field-line topology, a density of roughly 1018 cm-3, a temperature of at least 50 eV but preferably closer to 300 eV, and must be free of impurities which would raise radiation losses. The goal of these experiments is to demonstrate plasma conditions meeting the requirements for an MTF initial target plasma. The plasma is produced by driving a z-directed current of 1-2 MA through either a static gas fill or a 38 μm diameter polyethylene fiber. The data obtained from an array of filtered photodiodes is used to estimate the plasma temperature. The filter material and thickness for each diode is chosen such that the lowest absorption edge for each is at a successively higher energy, covering the range from a few eV to 5 keV. The analysis assumes a fully stripped optically thin plasma which radiates as either a blackbody, a bremsstrahlung emitter, or a group of emission lines (gaussian-like).
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1999i2006&article=288_momtptufp
PLASMA
29. Science Server at LANL
Characterization of a target plasma for MTF
Wysocki, F.J.; Idzorek, G.; Oona, H.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, H.; Sheehey, P.T.; Thio, F.Y.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Raleigh, NC, USA; June 1, 1998
pp. 322 - 323
Summary form only given. Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is an approach to fusion where a preheated and magnetized plasma is adiabatically compressed to fusion conditions. Successful MTF requires a suitable initial target plasma with a magnetic field of at least 5 T in a closed-field-line topology, a density of roughly 1018 cm-3, a temperature of at least 50 eV but preferably closer to 300 eV, and must be free of impurities which would raise radiation losses. Target plasma generation experiments are performed at Los Alamos National Laboratory using the Colt facility; a 0.25 MJ,
2.5 μs rise-time capacitor bank.
The goal of these experiments is to demonstrate plasma conditions meeting the
requirements for a MTF initial target plasma. The plasma is produced by driving
a z-directed current of 1-2 MA through either a static gas fill or a 200 μm
diameter frozen gas fiber along the axis.3 The resulting plasma is
contained in a 2 cm radius by 2 cm high cylindrical metal wall. The diagnostics
include B-dot probes, framing camera, gated OMA visible spectrometer,
time-resolved monochromator, filtered silicon photodiodes, and a plasma-density
interferometer. A multipoint Thomson scattering diagnostic is being installed,
which will use a pulsed ruby laser which produces 20 J in a 25 ns wide pulse.
The viewing optics will collect scattered light from six spatial positions in
the plasma. In addition, the background plasma light will be measured both above
and below each scattering volume to allow subtraction of this background light
from the scattered-light signal. The experimental design and data will be
presented.http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1998i0106&article=322_coatpfm
PLASMA
30. Science Server at LANL
Magnetized target fusion-an overview
Kirkpatrick, R.C.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab.
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Vancouver, BC, Canada; June 7, 1993
pp. 105
Summary form only given. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) consists of the hydrodynamic compression of a wall-confined, hot, magnetized DT plasma to ignition conditions. Even in the absence of self heating, parameter studies have shown that targets with gains as high as ten are possible. To reduce the radiative energy loss from the plasma so that conduction is the major energy loss mechanism, the initial density of the DT is much lower than that used for inertial confinement fusion (ICF). This makes the targets larger, and the reduced losses allow a lower compression rate, so that the implosion time can be long and the necessary power and intensity on target can be very low. The parameter space for MTF is intermediate in density and time scales between those of ICF and magnetic-confinement for fusion energy (MFE).
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1993i0706&article=105_mtfo
PLASMA
31. Science Server at LANL
Solid liner inner surface phenomena during compression of a field reversed configuration plasma for a magnetized target fusion proof of principle demonstration
Kiuttu, G.F.; Turchi, P.J.; Faehl, R.J.
US Air Force Res. Lab., Kirtland AFB, NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Monterey, CA, USA; June 20, 1999
pp. 287
Summary form only given, as follows. A proposed magnetized target fusion (MTF) proof of principle demonstration involves compression of a field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma by a cylindrical, or quasi-spherical, solid liner. Peak internal poloidal magnetic fields are anticipated to be in the range of 1-10 MG at radial compression factors of approximately 10. Several phenomena occurring at the solid liner inner surface affect the performance of this plasma heating and compression scheme. They include nonlinear magnetic field diffusion, phase changes and ablation due to surface and volumetric heating, and magnetohydrodynamic instability growth. Magnetic field diffusion limits the magnetic field amplification and reduces the magnetic flux buffer region between core plasma and liner. Melting and vaporization due to Joule heating alone have been shown to be likely to occur. Evaporated liner material traveling ahead of the liner solid surface can potentially interact deleteriously with the core plasma before peak compression. We present results of studies of the various phenomena using analytic models and 1- and 2-dimensional MHD simulations.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1999i2006&article=287_slispdtfpopd
PLASMA
32. Science Server at LANL
Multichord laser interferometer for the magnetized target fusion program's field reverse configuration
Ruden, E.L.; Analla, F.T.
Naval Research Laboratory; Air Force Research Laboratory
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; ; May 26, 2002
pp. 270 - 270
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2002i2605&article=270_mliftmtfpfrc
33. Science Server at LANL
Numerical studies of liners for magnetized target fusion
Faehl, R.J.; Atchison, W.L.; Sheehey, P.T.; Lindemuth, I.R.
Plasma Applications Group, Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Monterey, CA, USA; June 20, 1999
pp. 288
Summary form only given. Magnetized target fusion (MTF) requires the fast compression of hot, dense plasmas by a conducting liner. We have used two-dimensional MHD calculations to study the electromagnetic implosion of metallic liners driven by realistic current waveforms. Parametric studies have indicated that the liner should reach velocities of 3-20 km/s, depending on the magnetic field configuration, and reach convergence ratios (initial radius divided by final radius) of at least 10. These parameters are accessible with large capacitor bank power supplies such as SHIVA or ATLAS, or with magnetic flux compression generators. One issue with the high currents that are required to implode the liner is that Ohmic heating will melt or vaporize the outer part of the liner. Calculations have shown that this is a realistic concern. We are currently addressing questions of liner instability and flux diffusion under MTF conditions. Another issue is that the magnetic fields needed to inhibit thermal losses to the walls will also heat, melt, or vaporize the inner wall surfaces. For initial fields between 5-50 Tesla, the wall heating is significant but does not result in rapid melting. As the implosion evolves, flux compression leads to fields in excess of 100 Tesla.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1999i2006&article=288_nsolfmtf
PLASMA
34. Science Server at LANL
US/Russian collaboration in high-energy-density physics using high-explosive pulsed power: ultrahigh current experiments, ultrahigh magnetic field applications, and progress toward controlled thermonuclear fusion
Lindemuth, L.R.; Ekdahl, C.A.; Fowler, C.M.; Reinovsky, R.E.; Younger, S.M.; Chernyshev, V.K.; Mokhov, V.N.; Pavlovskii, A.I.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science ; December 1997; vol.25, no.6, pp. 1357 - 1372
A collaboration has been established between the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics (VNIIEF) and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the two institutes which designed the first nuclear weapons for their respective countries. In 1992, when emerging governmental policy in the United States and Russia began to encourage "lab-to-lab" interactions, the two institutes quickly recognized a common interest in the technology and applications of magnetic flux compression, the technique for converting the chemical energy released by high-explosives into intense electrical pulses and intensely concentrated magnetic energy. In a period of just over three years, the two institutes have performed more than fifteen joint experiments covering research areas ranging from basic pulsed power-technology to solid-state physics to controlled thermonuclear fusion. Using magnetic flux compression generators, electrical currents ranging from 20 to 100 MA were delivered to loads of interest in high-energy-density physics. A 20-MA pulse was delivered to an imploding liner load with a 10-90% rise time of 0.7 μs. A new, high-energy concept for soft X-ray generation was tested at 65 MA. More than 20 MJ of implosion-kinetic energy was delivered to a condensed matter imploding liner by a 100-MA current pulse. Magnetic flux compressors were used to determine the upper critical field of a high-temperature superconductor and to create pressure high enough that the transition from single particle behavior to quasimolecular behavior was observed in solid argon. A major step was taken toward the achievement of controlled thermonuclear fusion by a relatively unexplored approach known in Russia as MAGO (MAGnitnoye Obzhatiye, or "magnetic compression") and in the United States as MTF (Magnetized Target Fusion). Many of the characteristics of a target plasma that produced 1013 fusion neutrons have been evaluated. Computational models of the target plasma suggest that the plasma is suitable for subsequent compression to fusion conditions by an imploding pusher.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=00933813&issue=v25i0006&article=1357_ucihpuaptctf
35. Science Server at LANL
Joint US/Russian plasma formation experiments for magnetic compression/magnetized target fusion
Lindemuth, I.R.; Reinovsky, R.E.; Chrien, R.E.; Christian, J.M.; Ekdahl, C.A.; Goforth, J.H.; Haight, R.C.; Idzorek, G.; King, N.S.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Larson, R.E.; Morgan, G.L.; Olinger, B.W.; Oona, H.; Sheehey, P.T.; Shlachter, J.S.; Smith, R.C.; Veeser, L.R.; Warthen, B.J.; Younger, S.M.; Chernyshev, V.K.; Mokhov, V.N.; Demin, A.N.; Dolin, Y.N.; Garanin, S.; Ivanov, V.A.; Korchagin, V.P.; Mikhailov, O.D.; Morozov, I.V.; Pak, S.V.; Pavlovskii, E.S.; Seleznev, N.Y.; Skobelev, A.N.; Volkov, G.I.; Yakubov, V.A.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Albuquerque, NM, USA; July 3, 1995
pp. 601 - 606
Magnetic compression/magnetized target fusion (MAGO/MTF) is an area of fusion research that is intermediate between magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in time and density scales. In this paper, the authors report the results of experiments exploring a scheme for forming a hot, magnetized plasma possibly suited for subsequent implosion in a MAGO/MTF context. The experiment described here used a copper plasma formation chamber. The outer radius of the plasma volume was 10 cm. The chamber was initially filled with 10 Torr of 50% deuterium, 50% tritium gas seeded with 0.01% neon for diagnostic purposes. The chamber behavior was computationally modeled using two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic techniques.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1995i0307_1&article=601_jupfefmctf
PPC
36. Science Server at LANL
The magnetically driven imploding liner parameter space of the Atlas capacitor bank
Lindemuth, I.R.; Atchison, W.L.; Faehl, R.J.; Reinovsky, R.E.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 1386 - 1389
The Atlas capacitor bank (23 MJ, 30 MA, 240 kV) is now operational at Los Alamos. Atlas was designed to magnetically drive imploding liners for use as impactors in shock and hydrodynamic experiments. We have conducted a computational "mapping" of the high-performance imploding liner parameter space accessible with Atlas. The effect of charge voltage, transmission inductance, liner thickness, liner initial radius, and liner length, as well as other parameters, has been investigated. Our study shows that Atlas is ideally suited to be a liner driver for liner-on-plasma experiments in a magnetized target fusion context.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706_2&article=1386_tmdilpsotacb
PPPS
37. Science Server at LANL
Magnetized target fusion
de Peretti, M.; Sabatier, M.
Centre d'Etude de Limeil-Valenton, Villeneuve St Georges, France
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Boston, MA, USA; June 3, 1996
pp. 180
Summary form only given. We present a OD model (cylindrical and spherical) describing the slow implosion of a high conducting shell surrounding a magnetized fuel relevant of the MTF concept which take advantage of two benefits of the magnetic field in the plasma by the reduction of: the thermal conduction during the implosion process; the mean free path of the alpha particles during the ignition. The shell is made up of an external incompressible fluid part and an internal compressible dense plasma. This model permit a survey of the parameter space available for magnetized fuel. It predicts the existence of a new region in parameter space where significant thermonuclear fuel burn-up can occur at very low densities, very low implosion velocities and with drive requirements reduced by several orders of magnitude.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1996i0306&article=180_mtf
PLASMA
38. Science Server at LANL
Pre-ionization experiments on a high-density field reversed configuration suitable for magnetized target fusion
Taccetti, J.A.; Intrator, T.P.; Wurden, G.A.; Snyder, H.R.; Tuszewski, A.; Siemon, R.; Begay, D.; Mignardot, E.; Newton, R.; Sanchez, P.; Sandoval, G.; Waganaar, B.; Degnan, J.H.; Sommars, W.; Grabowski, C.; Gale, D.; Cavazos, T.; Pearson, B.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 535
Summary form only given. We present the progress on the high-density Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) experiment presently being studied at LANL. This FRC will be the target plasma for Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) experiments; heating it by compressing it inside an imploding flux conserver should allow access to fusion conditions. Diagnosing the FRC plasma will be challenging due to the short timescales, high energy densities, high magnetic fields, and restricted access. Our goal is an FRC with n
1017
cm-3, T1=Te=100-300
eV, B5 T, and a lifetime of 10-20
μs. Results to date on the Pre-Ionization (PI) phase of the experiment will be
presented. From our previous experience, the PI process is crucial for good FRC
formation, and not well understood. Initial attempts will include using the
ringing theta coil discharge (/spl theta/-PI) technique, which ionizes the gas
by impressing a rapidly oscillating (300
kHz) axial magnetic field superimposed upon the slower-timescale magnetic bias
field, of comparable magnitude. The PI process occurs just prior to applying a
much (10×) higher reverse field that causes the frozen-in field lines to
radially contract and form the closed field lines for the FRC.http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706&article=535_peoahfcsfmtf
PPPOS
39. Science Server at LANL
Surface erosion instabilities driven by edge plasma
Bruskin, L.G.; Tamano, T.
Plasma Res. Center, Tsukuba Univ., Japan
7 ; February 01, 1996; vol.36, no.2, pp. 199-208
The interaction of magnetized edge plasma with the material surface in the divertor region of a fusion device is analytically investigated. It is shown that the process of surface erosion is unstable against small perturbations of the surface shape, which leads to a gradual roughening of the initially smooth target surface. Two distinct reasons are studied for possible drivers of such erosion instabilities: modification of ion deposition flux and surface temperature variation. The wavenumbers of the unstable perturbations are determined from a linear approximation of the surface erosion equation. For the plasma parameters relevant to fusion reactors the estimated mean time of surface roughening is about a few hours. Consequently, the erosion instability is of importance for long pulse and steady state operation of future reactor-grade fusion devices
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=00295515&issue=v36i0002&article=199_seidbep
40. Science Server at LANL
Magnetized target fusion: no capital investment required!!!
Lindemuth, I.R.; Siemon, R.E.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Reinovsky, R.E.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Monterey, CA, USA; June 20, 1999
pp. 109
Summary form only given, as follows. The constraints of steady-state operation for magnetic confinement and of no magnetic field for inertial confinement have forced fusion research into two extreme corners separated by more than ten orders of magnitude in time and density scales and requiring multi-billion dollar capital investments for the next steps. Simple analysis shows that combining the compressional heating of inertial confinement with the thermal insulating properties of magnetic confinement and operating in a density and time space intermediate between the two conventional fusion approaches leads to a path to fusion that can be accessed by pulsed power facilities that either already exists or are under construction in non-fusion contexts.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1999i2006&article=109_mtfncir
PLASMA
41. Science Server at LANL
Analysis of data from z-pinch MTF target plasma experiments
Wysocki, F.J.; Taccelti, J.M.; Benage, J.F.; Idzorek, G.K.; Oona, H.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Monterey, CA, USA; June 20, 1999
pp. 289
Summary form only given. Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) target plasma experiments have been performed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Colt facility for roughly three years. The capacitor bank has a maximum output voltage of 120 kV, maximum energy store of 0.25 MJ, and can deliver at least 2 MA of current to a load in 2.5 microseconds. The approach for MTF target plasma generation has been to drive a z-directed current through a plasma which is contained by a 2 cm radius by 2 cm high cylindrical metal wall. The initial mass for the target plasma comes from either a static uniform fill of hydrogen or deuterium gas, or from a polyethylene fiber mounted along the central axis. Polyethylene fibers were used as a substitute for the cryogenically frozen deuterium fibers that were originally planned for. The diagnostic set includes an array of 12 B-dot probes, optical framing camera, gated OMA visible spectrometer, time-resolved monochrometer, filtered silicon photodiodes, neutron yield, and a laser interferometer. The data obtained allows an assessment of the plasma temperature, density, magnetization, and decay time. With this, the suitability of these plasmas for an MTF application will be addressed.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1999i2006&article=289_aodfzmtpe
PLASMA
42. Science Server at LANL
The magnetically driven imploding liner parameter space of the Atlas capacitor bank
Lindemuth, I.R.; Atchison, W.L.; Faehl, R.J.; Reinovsky, R.E.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 409
Summary form only given, as follows. The Atlas capacitor bank (23 MJ, 30 MA) is now operational at Los Alamos. Atlas was designed primarily to magnetically drive imploding liners for use as impactors in shock and hydrodynamic experiments. We have conducted a computational "mapping" of the high-performance imploding liner parameter space accessible to Atlas. The effect of charge voltage, transmission inductance, liner thickness, liner initial radius, and liner length has been investigated. One conclusion is that Atlas is ideally suited to be a liner driver for liner-on-plasma experiments in a magnetized target fusion (MTF) context . The parameter space of possible Atlas reconfigurations has also been investigated.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706&article=409_tmdilpsotacb
PPPOS
43. Science Server at LANL
Theory and MHD simulation of fuelling by compact toroid injection
Suzuki, Y.; Hayashi, T.; Kishimoto, Y.
Plasma Theory Laboratory, Department of Fusion Plasma Research, Naka Fusion Research Establishment, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Naka, Japan; Theory and Computer Simulation Center, National Institute for Fusion Science, Toki, Japan
Nuclear Fusion ; July 01, 2001; vol.41, no.7, pp. 873-881
The process of fuelling by injection of a spheromak-like compact toroid (SCT) is investigated by using MHD numerical simulations, where the SCT is injected into a magnetized target plasma region corresponding to a fusion device. In a previous study, the authors proposed a theoretical model to determine the penetration depth of the SCT into the target region on the basis of simulation results; in that study the SCT is decelerated not only by the magnetic pressure force but also by the magnetic tension force. However, since both ends of the target magnetic field are fixed on the boundary wall in the simulation, the deceleration caused by the magnetic tension force would be overestimated. In the present study, the dependence of the boundary condition of the target magnetic field on the SCT penetration process is examined. On the basis of these results, the theoretical model previously proposed is improved to include the effect that the fluctuations of the target magnetic field propagate with the Alfvén velocity. In addition, by carrying out the simulation with the torus domain, it is confirmed that the theoretical model can be applied to estimate the penetration depth of the SCT under such conditions. The dependence of the injection position (side injection and top/bottom injection) on the penetration process is also examined.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=00295515&issue=v41i0007&article=873_tamsofbcti
44. Science Server at LANL
MHD-nozzle device as a thermonuclear target in MAGO/MTF concept
Demin, A.N.; Chernyshev, V.K.; Korchagin, V.P.; Mokhov, V.N.; Ivanov, V.A.; Pak, S.V.; Yakubov, V.B.; Garanin, S.F.; Mamyshev, V.I.; Kuznetsov, S.D.; Subbotin, A.N.; Burencov, O.M.; Dolin, Y.N.; Dudin, V.I.; Morozov, I.V.; Volkov, A.A.; Trusilo, S.V.; Usenko, P.L.; Skobelev, A.N.; Shpagin, V.I.
Sci. Res. Inst. of Exp. Phys., Nizhni Novgorod, Russia
Proceedings of the International Conference on High-Power Particle Beams; Haifa, Israel; June 7, 1998
pp. 585 - 587
Describes the MAGO-MTF (magnetised target fusion) approach to fusion energy using a MHD-nozzle device as the thermonuclear target. In MAGO-MTF, thermonuclear reaction ignition has two stages: 1) heated magnetized plasma formation; and 2) adiabatic compression of the obtained plasma and the achievement of thermonuclear reaction burning conditions. The formation of plasma with definite temperature and lifetime is carried out by means of plasma acceleration up to ultrahigh velocities in the MHD Laval nozzle under the influence of quick-increasing magnetic field pressure and by means of the further plasma thermalisation. Some results of the MHD-nozzle device calculations are presented, in which one can see the character of plasma motion and the dynamics of its heating.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1078&issue=v1998i0706_2&article=585_mdaattimc
BEAMS
45. Science Server at LANL
Two-dimensional MHD calculations of a liner compressed MTF plasma
Faehl, R.J.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Sheehey, P.T.; Kirkpatrick, R.
Appl. Theor. Phys. Div., Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Banff, Alta., Canada; May 26, 2002
pp. 169
Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is a generalized scheme for attaining burning plasma conditions by feeding power into a dense plasma by means of a fast liner implosion, at a rate faster than thermal transport diffuses it to the walls. The magnetic field is critical to inhibit these thermal losses, but it is neither intended nor needed to provide steady plasma confinement. Two-dimensional MHD calculations have been used previously to follow the highly transient process of injection of dense plasma into a chamber and the subsequent relaxation and decay of this plasma. Those calculations were sufficiently promising that more complete simulations are being performed to track the time-dependent evolution of the target plasma during liner implosion of the configuration. Zero-dimension studies show strong "islands" in parameter-space for which fusion conditions can be obtained. Initial conditions of hydrogenic plasma density, 10+18 cm-3, ion temperature, 100 eV, and initial magnetic fields of 5-30 T are typical for such islands. The issues we are attempting to elucidate with 2-D MHD calculations are the convective stability of the plasma-wall interface, wall heating and migration of cold wall material into the hot, dense plasma, and ultimately the state of the full plasma system after a radial compression ratio of 10:1. Both the static chamber walls and the imploding wall (the liner) are treated with realistic Equations of state and electrical conductivities. The liner implosion is driven by either existing pulsed power sources such as ATLAS or Disk Electromagnetic Generators (DEMG), or by conservative extrapolation of such sources. Liner stability during closure of the chamber flux/plasma input gap by the imploding wall is also studied. Previous studies have indicated that densities in excess of 10+20 cm-3 can be achieved, along with temperatures greater than 1 keV.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2002i2605&article=169_tmcoalcmp
PLASMA
46. Science Server at LANL
Computational Modeling Of Magnetized Target Fusion Experiments
Havranek, J.J.; Sheehey, P.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Lindemuth, I.R.; Eddleman, J.L.; Hartman, C.W.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Santa Fe, NM, USA; June 6, 1994
pp. 223 - 223
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1994i0606&article=223_cmomtfe
PLASMA
47. Science Server at LANL
Soft X-ray diagnostics for pulsed power machines
Idzorek, G.C.; Coulter, W.L.; Walsh, P.J.; Montoya, R.R.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Albuquerque, NM, USA; July 3, 1995
pp. 981 - 986
A variety of soft X-ray diagnostics are being fielded on the Los Alamos National Laboratory Pegasus and Procyon pulsed power systems and also being fielded on joint US/Russian magnetized target fusion experiments known as MAGO (Magnitoye Obzhatiye). We have designed a low-cost modular photoemissive detector designated the XRD-96 that uses commercial 1100 series aluminum for the photocathode. In addition to photocathode detectors a number of designs using solid state silicon photodiodes have been designed and fielded. We also present a soft X-ray time-integrated pinhole camera system that uses standard type TMAX-400 photographic film that obviates the need for expensive and no longer produced zero-overcoat soft X-ray emulsion film. In a typical experiment the desired spectral energy cuts, signal intensity levels, and desired field of view will determine diagnostic geometry and X-ray filters selected. We have developed several computer codes to assist in the diagnostic design process and data deconvolution. Examples of the diagnostic design process and data analysis for a typical pulsed power experiment are presented.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1995i0307_2&article=981_sxdfppm
PPC
48. Science Server at LANL
Initial design for an experimental investigation of strongly coupled plasma behavior in the Atlas facility
Munson, C.P.; Benage, J.F., Jr.; Taylor, A.J.; Trainor, R.J., Jr.; Wood, B.P.; Wysocki, F.J.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Monterey, CA, USA; June 20, 1999
pp. 142
Summary form only given. Atlas is a high current (
30
MA peak, with a current risetime 4.5
μsec), high energy (Estored=24 MJ, Eload=3-6 MJ), pulsed
power facility which is being constructed at Los Alamos National Laboratory with
a scheduled completion date in the year 2000. When operational, this facility
will provide a platform for experiments in high pressure shocks (>20 Mbar),
adiabatic compression (ρ/ρ0>5, P>10 Mbar), high magnetic fields (2000
T), high strain and strain rates (<IMG SRC=/images/glyphs/PGE.GIF>>200%, d<IMG
SRC=/images/glyphs/PGE.GIF>/dt104
to 106 s-1), hydrodynamic instabilities of materials in
turbulent regimes, magnetized target fusion, equation of state, and strongly
coupled plasmas. For the strongly coupled plasma experiments, an auxiliary
capacitor bank will be used to generate a moderate density (<0.1 solid),
relatively cold (1 eV) plasma by
ohmic heating of a conducting material of interest such as titanium. This target
plasma will be compressed against a central column containing diagnostic
instrumentation by a cylindrical conducting liner that is driven radially inward
by current from the main Atlas capacitor bank. The plasma is predicted (by 1-D
numerical simulations using the RAVEN and CRUNCH codes) to reach densities of
1.1 times solid, achieve ion and
electron temperatures of 10 eV, and
pressures of 4-5 Mbar. This is a
density/temperature regime which is expected to experience strong coupling (Γ14),
but only partial degeneracy (Θ0.7).
X-ray radiography is planned for measurements of the material density at
discrete times during the experiments; diamond Raman measurements are
anticipated for determination of the pressure.http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1999i2006&article=142_idfaeipbitaf
PLASMA
49. Science Server at LANL
X-ray diagnostics for an MTF initial target plasma
Thio, Y.C.F.; Kirkpatrick, R.C.; Idzorek, G.C.; Wysocki, F.; Sheehey, P.; Lindemuth, J.R.; Degnan, J.H.
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Raleigh, NC, USA; June 1, 1998
pp. 323
Summary form only given. Theoretical and experimental investigations are in progress at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in developing a suitable initial plasma for magnetized target fusion (MTF). Current investigation involves the production of a plasma using a z-directed current of 1-2 MA through either a gas fill or a 200 mm diameter frozen gas fiber along the axis. The resulting plasma is supported by a 2 cm radius by 2 cm high metallic wall. During the formation, the plasma is expected to have temperatures ranging from 50 eV to in excess of 500 eV, and densities in the neighborhood of 1018cm-3. As a component of a diverse range of diagnostics fielded or to be fielded on the experiments, the X-ray emissions from the plasma are being characterized to provide temperature information about the plasma, using a multi-channel soft X-ray absorption/scattering spectrometer. The X-ray emissions are first passed through a set of filters and the resultant filtered X-rays are detected by an array of X-ray sensitive silicon diodes. The paper will present the conceptual design studies leading to the selection of the filters, and the analytical techniques for deconvoluting the X-ray data. The design studies involve the simulation of the diode response to X-ray emissions from hypothetical temperature and density profiles in the plasma, and also sensitivity studies on the capability of the spectrometer to resolve the emissions from possible impurities, Preliminary indications of the temperature obtained in plasmas formed in experiments using gas fill will also be presented.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1998i0106&article=323_xdfamitp
PLASMA
50. Science Server at LANL
Ignition conditions for magnetized target fusion in cylindrical geometry
Basko, M.M.; Kemp, A.J.; Meyer-ter-Vehn, J.
Département de Recherches sur la Fusion Controlée, CEA Cadarache, St. Paul-lez-Durance, France; Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Garching, Germany
Nuclear Fusion ; January 01, 2000; vol.40, no.1, pp. 59-68
Ignition conditions in axially magnetized cylindrical targets are investigated by examining the thermal balance of assembled DT fuel configurations at stagnation. Special care is taken to adequately evaluate the energy fraction of 3.5 MeV alpha particles deposited in magnetized DT cylinders. A detailed analysis of the ignition boundaries in the ρR,T parametric plane is presented. It is shown that the fuel magnetization allows a significant reduction of the ρR ignition threshold only when the condition BR >rsim; 6 × 105G cm is fulfilled (B is the magnetic field strength and R is the fuel radius).
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=00295515&issue=v40i0001&article=59_icfmtficg
51. Science Server at LANL
Progress on formation of field reversed configurations suitable for subsequent compression to magnetized target fusion conditions
Degnan, J.H.; Hussey, T.W.; Kiuttu, G.F.; Lehr, F.M.; Peterkin, R.E., Jr.; Ruden, E.L.; Cavazos, T.; Gale, D.; Gilman, C.; Grabowski, C.; Sommars, W.; Coffey, S.K.; Frese, M.; Marklin, G.; Faehl, R.J.; Intrator, T.P.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Lindermuth, I.; Moses, R.; Schoenberg, K.F.; Siemon, R.E.; Taccetti, J.M.; Turchi, P.J.; Wurden, G.A.; Roderick, N.F.
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 594
Summary form only given. The design, calculations, and experimental progress on forming Field Reversed Configuration's (FRCs) suitable for subsequent compression by an imploding metal liner to Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) conditions are presented and discussed. The desired initial FRC parameters are density
1017 cm-3,
temperature 100 to 300 eV, length
30 cm, separatrix radius
2.5 cm, magnetic field between
separatrix and liner 5 Tesla. This
effort is being pursued using the 36 mf, 250 kilojoule Colt capacitor bank at
LANL, and using the 110 mf, 750 kilojoule formation capacitor bank (FB), which
is auxiliary to the 1300 mf, 9 megajoule Shiva Star capacitor bank at AFRL, as
well as smaller auxiliary banks to drive smaller, related solenoids. Crowbarring
of both the Colt and FB facilities will be done, using triggered pressurized
railgap switches. Initial FRC diagnostics include laser interferometry and
magnetic field probe arrays (to observe field exclusion, that is, diamagnetic
effect). Later experiments will include spectroscopy for impurity detection and
temperature measurement, and Thompson scattering. The 30 cm long, 5 cm initial
radius, 0.11 cm thick Al liner is imploded by magnetic pressure from an 11
megamp axial discharge driven by the 1300 mf Shiva star capacitor bank. Initial
successful implosions are reported Transactions on Plasma Science (Degnan,
2001). Other aspects of FRC formation and compression were discussed by K.
Schoenberg, R. Siemon et al. (1998). 2D-MHD simulations of planned FRC formation
are also presented. These predict that with 100 milliTorr deuterium gas prefill,
which corresponds to 6×1015
cm-3 initial ion/atomic density,
0.5 Tesla initial bias axial
magnetic field, and 3 ms risetime,
5 Tesla reverse bias field, that the desired density and temperature FRC is
formed.http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706&article=594_pofofrctmtfc
PPPOS
52. Science Server at LANL
Magnetic diffusion in conductors at ultrahigh current density
Sharp, G.T.
Pulsed Power Plasma Science; Las Vegas, NV, USA; June 17, 2001
pp. 211
Summary form only given. Recent experiments on the Z-Accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories were performed to characterize magnetic diffusion in aluminum and copper at currents of 3-4MA/cm and pulsewidths of 200ns. Principal diagnostics include a unique type of B-dot probe and VISAR laser interferometry. Streak camera spectroscopy and pyrometry were also fielded on representative shots. These experiments were designed to allow comparison between magnetic field diffusion rate and the pressure wave propagation resulting in the onset of motion. As the magnetic field diffuses into the conductive material the current causes joule heating which changes both the thermal and electrical conductivity of the material resulting in energy losses. These nonlinear effects are not well known at these current densities Magnetic diffusion and energy deposition are important in several areas including the following. First, it is desirable to understand the losses associated with magnetic diffusion for the upward power scaling of the next generation Z-Accelerator, and to characterize potential construction materials. Second, it is necessary to understand the rate of magnetic diffusion when designing isentropic compression experiments on solids such that materials and sample thickness can be selected in order to study pressure wave loading and unloading without the confounding effects of magnetic diffusion. Third, there is an ongoing push to improve the predictive capabilities of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) codes such as MACH2 and Alegra in order to more accurately model experiments in this current density regime. Fourth, several groups are interested in understanding the physics of exploding wires driven by very high currents. And finally, several other groups are interested in magnetized target fusion, which incorporates driven aluminum liners used to compress a plasma in a field reversed configuration.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2837&issue=v2001i1706&article=211_mdicaucd
PPPOS
53. Science Server at LANL
Implosion de cibles laser magnétisées: influence de la limitation du flux thermique
Gond, Sylvia; Bourdier, Alain
Département de physique théorique et appliquée, Direction Île-de-France, Commissariat à l'énergie atomique, BP 12, 91680 , Bruyères le Châtel, France
Comptes Rendus de l Academie des Sciences Series IV Physics ; May, 2000; vol.1, no.4, pp. 509-515
The influence of thermal conduction on laser inertial confinement fusion is studied with a sophisticated CEA (Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique) computer code. The beneficial effect of magnetic field on gain, shown by I.R. Lindemuth and R.C. Kirkpatrick, is qualitatively confirmed by our results.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=12962147&issue=v01i0004&article=509_idclmidlldft
54. Science Server at LANL
Modeling of MAGO plasma compression by imploding liner
Buyko, A.M.; Garanin, S.F.; Ivanova, G.G.; Kuznetsov, S.D.; Mamyshev, V.I.; Sofronov, V.N.; Yakubov, V.B.
All-Russian Res. Inst. of Exp. Phys., Nizhni Novgorod, Russia
IEEE Internation Pulsed Power Conference; Monterey, CA, USA; June 27, 1999
pp. 1052 - 1055
Magnetized plasma with characteristic density 8·1017 cm-3 and average temperature 250 eV has been obtained in a MAGO plasma chamber. One and two dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic computations are performed in which a solid density aluminum liner is imploded on the MAGO target plasma. An influence of a liner compressibility, 2-dimensional effects and various heat losses on the compressed plasma parameters are studied. The computations demonstrate that for a liner energy that has already been achieved experimentally the compressed plasma parameters can meet the Lawson criterion and this plasma can provide a large amount of neutrons and X-ray radiation.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee2015&issue=v1999i2706_2&article=1052_mompcbil
PPC
55. Science Server at LANL
Magnetized cylindrical targets for heavy ion fusion
Kemp, A.J.; Basko, M.; Meyer-ter-Vehn, J.
Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Str. 1, 85748 , Garching, Germany; Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, B. Cheremushkinskaya 25, 117259 , Moscow, Russia
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment ; May 21, 2001; vol.464, no.1-3, pp. 192-195
Ignition conditions for magnetized cylindrical fusion targets are investigated by means of one-dimensional hydrodynamic calculations. Of particular interest is the effect of a tamper surrounding the fuel at the time of stagnation. The key assumption in this paper is that the targets are magnetically insulated, i.e. electronic and ionic heat conduction as well as the diffusion of 3.5MeV alpha particles are suppressed. It is found that magnetically insulated targets can be ignited at significantly reduced values of the fuel ρR, but, in contrast to conventional fusion targets, the value of the fuel ρR at ignition depends on the fuel mass as well as on the tamper entropy.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=01689002&issue=v464i1-3&article=192_mctfhif
56. Science Server at LANL
Plasma Formation Experiments Relevant To Magnetized Target Fusion
Lindemuth, I.R.; Anderson, B.; Canada, J.; Chrien, R.; Ekdahl, C.; Findley, C.; Goforth, J.; Kirkpatrick, R.; Oona, H.; Reinovsky, R.; Rodriguez, P.; Shechey, P.; Shlachter, J.; Smith, R.; Stradling, G.; Thurston, R.; Chernyshev; Dolin, V.N.; Gararrin, S.F.; Korchagin, V.P.; Mokhov, V.N.; Morozov, I.V.; Pak, S.V.; Pavlovskii, E.S.; Volkov, G.I.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; Santa Fe, NM, USA; June 6, 1994
pp. 105 - 105
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v1994i0606&article=105_pfertmtf
PLASMA
57. Science Server at LANL
Progress in development of theta pinches for formation of field reversed configurations suitable for subsequent compression to magnetized target fusion conditions
Degnan, J.H.; Barnes, D.C.; Cavazos, T.; Coffey, S.K.; Faehl, R.J.; Frese, M.; Gale, D.; Hussey, T.W.; Intractor, T.P.; Kirpatrick, R.; Kiuttu, G.F.; Lehr, F.M.; Letterio, J.D.; Lindemuth, I.; Moses, R.; Peterkin, R.E.; Roderick, N.F.; Ruden, E.L.; Schoenberg, K.; Siemon, R.E.; Sommars, W.; Turchi, P.J.; Wurden, G.A.; White, R.; Wyosocki, F.
IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science; ; June 4, 2000
pp. 258 - 258
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=confs&journal=ieee1912&issue=v2000i0406&article=258_pidotpctmtfc
58. Science Server at LANL
Magnetized target fusion in cylindrical geometry
Basko, M.M.; Churazov, M.D.; Kemp, A.; Meyer-ter-Vehn, J.
Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, B. Cheremushkinskaya 25, 117259 , Moscow, Russia
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment ; May 21, 2001; vol.464, no.1-3, pp. 196-200
General ignition conditions for magnetized target fusion (MTF) in cylindrical geometry are formulated. To attain an MTF ignition state, the deuterium–tritium fuel must be compressed in the regime of self-sustained magnetized implosion (SSMI). We analyze the general conditions and optimal parameter values required for initiating such a regime, and demonstrate that the SSMI regime can already be realized in cylindrical implosions driven by
100kJ beams of fast ions.http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=01689002&issue=v464i1-3&article=196_mtficg
59. Science Server at LANL
Boosting the specific impulse of high explosives by thermonuclear microexplosions ignited with the high explosives
Winterberg, F.
University of Nevada, Reno, Dept of Physics/220, College of Arts & Sciences, Reno, NV 89557-0058, USA
Acta Astronautica ; October, 1998; vol.43, no.7-8, pp. 437-439
The energy of a few 106 J, required to ignite a DT thermonuclear microexplosion, is really not very large. The problem is that it must be delivered to a target with a cross section less than 1cm2 in less than 10 nanoseconds, which can be done with lasers or particle beams in one step. By contrast, thermonuclear microexplosion ignition by a high explosive is achieved in two steps: First, the chemical energy ignites a magnetized fusion target with the energy released from this booster target igniting a second stage high gain high yield fusion or fission–fusion target. If ignited, a DT thermonuclear microexplosion can release an energy in excess of 109 J, or more than
1 ton of a chemical
high explosive, but 80% of this energy goes into energetic neutrons. Therefore,
to make full use of the fusion energy released into neutrons, the burnt
explosive must form a layer surrounding the microexplosion, thick enough to
absorb the neutrons, adding the nuclear energy released to the chemical energy
of the high explosive. If, for example, about 100 times more energy is released
in the microexplosion compared with the chemical energy stored in the high
explosive, the specific impulse of the combined chemical-nuclear explosion would
be increased 10 fold.</fm>http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=00945765&issue=v43i7-8&article=437_btsiohmiwthe
60. Science Server at LANL
Magnetized deuterium targets in heavy ion fusion
Churazov, M.D.; Sharkov, B.Yu.; Zabrodina, E.A.
Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, B. Cheremushkinskaya 25, 117259 Moscow, Russia
Fusion Engineering and Design ; November, 1996; vol.32-33, no.1-4, pp. 577-584
The existence of a wave of D0.9 3He0.1 thermonuclear burning in the magnetized plasma channel is discussed. Possible ways of carrying out experimental studies of burning wave and magnetic insulation effects are considered.
http://sciserver.lanl.gov:80/cgi-bin/sciserv.pl?collection=journals&journal=09203796&issue=v32-33i1-4&article=577_mdtihif