Hydromagnetic Insulation: In Blackjack III Diode
Abstract
In Z-pinch experiments a strongly radiating plasma may adversely effect the transport of power delivered to it. Plasma generated x-rays cause ablation of the diode walls and, if the walls do not become good conductors or if the current (I) carried in the electrode surfaces is too small, loss of insulation in the diode can result. Last year we interpreted experimental results at Maxwell Laboratories as evidence for hydrodynamic closure and proposed a theory to explain the reported behavior. While the explanation was qualitatively correct there were no measurements that could be compared to a detailed quantitative analysis. The work described here presents the theoretical model used to design, and be compared with, recent experiments on BLACKJACK III (BJ3) at Maxwell Laboratories. These experiments are required to validate the theory so that the effects of closure can be predicted for present and future SHIVA configurations, diodes, and plasma loads.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA638166
Entities
People
- Andrew Timothy Wilson
- Mark C. Friedman
Organizations
- Utility Systems Science and Software (United States)