Understanding the impact of an applied axial magnetic field on efficient current coupling on the Z machine

Autor: D. Zimmer, M. R. Gomez, N. Bennett, C. A. Jennings, C. E. Myers, D. C. Lamppa, F. Conti, F. N. Beg
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Physical Review Accelerators and Beams, Vol 27, Iss 10, p 100401 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2469-9888
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevAccelBeams.27.100401
Popis: Magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) is an attractive concept for producing thermonuclear fusion reactions. The MagLIF platform involves the operation of Helmholtz coils to apply a 15 Tesla axial magnetic field to the load region, where a cylindrical, fuel-filled metal liner is imploded by a ∼20 MA current pulse. The fringe field from these coils extends into the transmission line that delivers the current to the target. We investigated the extent to which this applied field disturbs the nominal power flow within that transmission line. A simplified model of the geometry shows that adding the applied magnetic field results in magnetic field lines that connect the cathode to the anode, suggesting electrons may not be magnetically insulated in this region. Particle-in-cell simulations indicated the addition of the applied magnetic field would not significantly impact the current delivery to the load. Velocimetry was used to experimentally assess the current delivery with and without the applied magnetic field. We find no measurable effects of the applied field on current delivery in the configuration investigated in this study.
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