Scaling of Efficient AR K-Shell Emission From Fast Gas-Puff Z-Pinches in the 10 to 100 MA Current Range

Results of recent simulations of argon double-shell gas-puff Z-pinch implosions performed at NRL using MACH2-TCRE code are presented. This code was successfully used for modeling argon gas-puff implosions with various load configuration and diagnostic dopant options on Z facility. 1 , 2 The new effort has been focused on performing a large set of high-current (10 MA to 100 MA) simulations spanning a wide circuit parameter space. This was accomplished by increasing the MITL current, varying the voltage profile, mass density, and examining current loss scenarios and uncertainties. Analysis led to the confirmation of I 2 scaling of the efficient K-shell radiation yield previously established by NRL 3 and that it is expected to be valid at high currents. It was further found that controlling circuit losses may lead to a significant improvement in radiation yield. Profiles of radiation power and mass density at stagnation are discussed.