Computational Modeling Of Magnetized Target Fusion Experiments

Abstract

The advent of 100-MJ-class flux compression generators has made it possible to consider driving fusion targets by direct magnetic implosion, with implosion kinetic energies far beyond those available with conventional fusion drivers. Computational studies have suggested that the optimal use of such energy is in a magnetized target fusion (MTF) system. An MTF system requires a means of preheating and magnetizing the thermonuclear fuel within the target prior to implosion. One means of obtaining a preheating and magnetized plasma is the recently reported ``MAGO`` concept. In ``MAGO``, an inverse pinch is followed by axial flow through a ``nozzle`` and is subsequently magnetically compressed and ohmically heated. D-T neutron yields in excess of 10{sup 13} have been reported. The authors have begun computational modeling of the ``MAGO`` experiment, using a number of different multi-dimensional MHD codes. In addition, other MTF concepts are being computationally and theoretically evaluated. The status of the modeling efforts will be reported.