Simon Woodruff

Simulations of the Supersonic Translation, Collision, and Merging of Two Field-Reversed Configurations for Plasma Heating

Axisymmetric extended magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations, which detail the supersonic translation, collision, and merging of two field-reversed configurations, were performed. Five theta pinch coils placed along the radial walls of the chamber accelerate the compact toroids toward each other and compress the resulting doublet configuration until it forms a single compact toroid. Two-fluid effects are observed to significantly speed up the merging process as compared against resistive MHD calculations.

The Use of Hypervelocity Projectiles as Drivers for the Compression of a Magnetized Plasma

Summary form only given. Developments in the last 20 years in electromagnetic launchers for the US Navy cause us to reconsider the possibility of using a projectile accelerated on a rail as a means for compressing a magnetized plasma. We present a short historical review of hypervelocity impact fusion and current status of rail gun research (and pulsed power technology that might be most usefully applied). We will present a summary of possible concepts where such a driver could be of use in fusion energy sciences, particularly to access regimes of high energy density. Two specific scenarios are considered analytically: use of a magnetized target for partial and full compression of a magnetized target (such as a field reversed configuration).