Exploring the Parameter Space of MagLIF Implosions using Similarity Scaling

Abstract

Magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) concepts, such as the Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) platform, constitute a promising path for achieving ignition and significant fusion yields in the laboratory. The space of experimental input parameters of MagLIF targets is highly multi-dimensional, and the implosions themselves are complex events involving many physical processes. We developed a simplified analytical model that identifies the main physical processes at play during a MagLIF implosion. Using non-dimensional analysis, we determine the most important dimensionless parameters characterizing MagLIF implosions and provide estimates of such parameters. We show that MagLIF targets can be "incompletely" similarly scaled, meaning that the experimental input parameters of MagLIF can be varied such that many (but not all) of the dimensionless quantities are conserved. Based on similarity scaling, we can explore the parameter space of MagLIF targets and estimate the performance of scaled targets. We test the similarity scaling theory against simulations for three different scaling "vectors": current scaling, rise-time scaling, and liner mass–radius scaling.