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Stabilization in the ZaP Flow Z-Pinch

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Abstract

The ZaP flow Z-pinch experiment at the University of Washington investigates the innovative plasma confinement concept of using sheared flows to stabilize an otherwise unstable configuration. The ZaP experiment generates an axially flowing Z-pinch that is 1 m long with a 1 cm radius with a coaxial accelerator coupled to a pinch assembly chamber. Magnetic probes measure the fluctuation levels of the azimuthal modes m = 1, 2, and 3. After assembly, the plasma is magnetically confined for an extended quiescent period where the mode activity is significantly reduced. Experimental measurements show a sheared flow profile that is coincident with the low magnetic fluctuations during the quiescent period. Recent experimental modifications produce more energetic Z-pinch plasmas that exhibit the same general behavior. The plasma equilibrium is characterized with a suite of diagnostics that measure the plasma density, magnetic field, ion and electron temperatures, in addition to plasma flow. The equilibrium is shown to satisfy radial force balance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aerospace & Energetics Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-2250, USA

    U. Shumlak, J. M. Blakely, B.-J. Chan, R. P. Golingo, S. D. Knecht, B. A. Nelson, R. J. Oberto, M. R. Sybouts, G. V. Vogman & D. J. Den Hartog

Authors
  1. U. Shumlak
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  2. J. M. Blakely
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  3. B.-J. Chan
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  4. R. P. Golingo
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  5. S. D. Knecht
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  6. B. A. Nelson
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  7. R. J. Oberto
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  8. M. R. Sybouts
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  9. G. V. Vogman
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  10. D. J. Den Hartog
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to U. Shumlak.

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Shumlak, U., Blakely, J.M., Chan, BJ. et al. Stabilization in the ZaP Flow Z-Pinch. J Fusion Energ 28, 208–211 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10894-008-9184-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10894-008-9184-8

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