Generalized computational ablation model of multi-wire cylindrical Z-pinches

Abstract

The generalized computational ablation model of multi-wire Z-pinches is developed. Using derived equations, one can calculate at each moment of time both the mass ablation rate from single and nested cylindrical wire arrays as well as the matter ablation velocity. These two important variables provide the capability to numerically simulate high energy density Z-pinch experiments in a wide range of load parameters: the initial multi-wire array radius up to tens of centimeters, the inter-wire gap up to a few millimeters, the Z-pinch implosion time up to a few microseconds, and the current amplitude in a load up to tens of mega-amperes. The generalized ablation model makes it possible to reproduce the main characteristics of the Z-pinch implosion, such as the moment of starting and following movement trajectory of current-plasma sheath, timing of x-ray pulse generation, its duration, x-ray power, and total radiation energy, in radiative magneto-hydrodynamic calculations. The generalized computational ablation model of tungsten multi-wire Z-pinch was validated using results of experiments with explosive magneto-cumulative generators (Russia) and was applied further to various pulsed power generators such as Z-accelerator, PTS, MAGPIE, and Angara-5-1.