Numerical simulations of annular wire-array z-pinches in (x,y), (r,θ), and (r,z) geometries

The Total Immersion Particle [B. M. Marder, Math. Comput. 29, 434 (1973)] code has been used in several two-dimensional geometries to understand better the measured dynamics of annular, aluminum wire-array z-pinches. The areas investigated include the formation of the plasma sheath from current-induced individual wire explosions, the effects of wire number and symmetry on the implosion dynamics, and the dependence of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth on initial sheath thickness. A qualitative change in the dynamics with increasing wire number was observed, corresponding to a transition between a z-pinch composed of nonmerging, self-pinching individual wires, and one characterized by the rapid formation and subsequent implosion of a continuous plasma sheath. A sharp increase in radiated power with increasing wire number has been observed experimentally near this calculated transition. Although two-dimensional codes have correctly simulated observed power pulse durations, there are indications that three-dimensional effects are important in understanding the actual mechanism by which these pulse lengths are produced. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.