The flow Z-pinch is an innovative concept to magnetically confine a high-temperature, high-density plasma. The Z-pinch has a simple, linear configuration with no applied magnetic fields. The self-field generated by the axial current confines and compresses the plasma. The static Z-pinch was investigated extensively for fusion energy applications; however, the configuration was found to be unstable to gross sausage and kink modes. The flow Z-pinch introduces an axial plasma motion that can mitigate these instabilities.

The Flow Z-Pinch Lab includes the original ZaP Flow Z-Pinch, ZaP-HD (High Energy Density), and FuZE (Fusion Z-Pinch) Experiments.

The research project investigates the concept of using sheared axial flows to provide complete stability without adversely affecting the advantageous properties of the Z-pinch (no applied fields, high temperatures, high densities, unity average beta, and only perpendicular heat conduction). The experiments produce Z-pinch plasmas that are 50 – 130 cm long with 0.3 – 1.5 cm radii. The plasmas exhibit stability for extended quiescent periods. The project seeks to address basic plasma science questions associated with the connection between sheared flows and plasma stability and with the interface of high energy density plasma in contact with solid or liquid materials. The sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch has applications for compact fusion energy and for advanced space propulsion.

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