Soft X-Ray Innovative Source Development Program
Abstract
Recent models predict that individual wires in an array will form heterogeneous current channels when exploded by a current pulse. The resulting non uniform magnetic forces will cause the outer current carrying corona to implode ahead of the core, in contrast to earlier models where the uniform current channel implodes as a unit. Laser based absorption and holographic techniques have been used to study the explosion characteristics of 33 micrometers C and 25 micrometers Al wire loads and the implosion dynamics of two wire Al loads on a 300 kA generator. X-ray techniques have been used to study the implosion and radiation characteristics of Mg coated Al wire arrays on the 4 MA Double Eagle generator. The high resolution laser diagnostics reveal a coronal plasma that implodes far in advance of the core in the two wire experiments. This preemptive implosion of the corona is exacerbated when a POS shortens the current pulse. The Mg coated Al wire load experiments indicate that only the outer 30-50% of the load mass implodes to radiate in the K-shell. The load straggling implies a softened implosion and reduced radiation efficiency. The results demonstrate the importance of the early time current distribution on the implosion and radiation characteristics of the load and underscore the need for adequate modeling to scale present results up to larger machines. Implosion, Wire array, POS, Coronal plasma, K-Shell.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA286380
Entities
People
- Edward J. Yadlowsky
- J.J. Moschella
- Robert C. Hazelton
- Thomas B. Settersten