Publications

Integration of MHD load models with circuit representations the Z generator

Ampleford, David A.; Savage, Mark E.; Moore, James M.; Jones, Brent M.; McBride, Ryan D.; Bailey, James E.; Jones, Michael J.; Gomez, Matthew R.; Cuneo, M.E.; Nakhleh, Charles N.; Stygar, William A.

MHD models of imploding loads fielded on the Z accelerator are typically driven by reduced or simplified circuit representations of the generator. The performance of many of the imploding loads is critically dependent on the current and power delivered to them, so may be strongly influenced by the generators response to their implosion. Current losses diagnosed in the transmission lines approaching the load are further known to limit the energy delivery, while exhibiting some load dependence. Through comparing the convolute performance of a wide variety of short pulse Z loads we parameterize a convolute loss resistance applicable between different experiments. We incorporate this, and other current loss terms into a transmission line representation of the Z vacuum section. We then apply this model to study the current delivery to a wide variety of wire array and MagLif style liner loads.