Abstract
The ZaP Flow Z-Pinch is a basic plasma physics experiment that uses sheared flows to stabilize an otherwise unstable configuration. The inner electrode is replaced with a larger version (15 cm diameter presently versus 10 cm previously). The goal of this modification is to increase temperature through increased adiabatic compression and to allow greater flexibility of neutral-gas injection through a greater number of gas-puff valves. Results are presented regarding the effect of neutral-gas injection characteristics and charge voltage on pinch stability. Increasing capacitor bank voltage and mass of gas injected increases stability and proximity to the machine axis. A four-chord HeNe interferometer is used to determine density at z = 0 cm and total temperature using magnetic field information from the z = 0 azimuthal array of magnetic probes. Total temperatures of 100-150 eV and densities of 2-3 × 10 22 m -3 are calculated; temperatures are consistent with measured electron and ion temperatures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 175-178 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Fusion Energy |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 2 SPEC. ISS. |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2009 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- Nuclear Energy and Engineering