Radiatively cooled supersonic plasma jets generated in wire array z-pinches

Abstract

Summary form only given. We will present experiments on the generation of a highly supersonic plasma jet by a convergent precursor plasma flow, produced by electrodynamic acceleration of plasma in a conical array of fine metallic wires (a modification of the wire array Z-pinch). Stagnation of the plasma flow on the axis of symmetry forms a standing conical shock, which effectively collimates the flow in the axial direction. The use of different materials (Al, Fe and W) show that a highly supersonic (M-20) and a well-collimated jet is generated when the radiative cooling rate of the plasma is significant. The interaction of this jet with different plasma targets is used for studies of hydrodynamic instabilities in decelerated plasma flow and the experimental results will be presented. The study of collisionless interpenetration of colliding plasmas is also possible in this system. Scaling of the jet parameters with the drive current from the present 1MA level will be discussed.