Shock model description of the interaction radiation pulse in nested wire array z-pinches

Bow shock structures are observed in a nested wire array z-pinch as ablation streams from the outer array pass the inner array. The jump in plasma conditions across these shocks results in an enhancement of snowplow emission from the imploding plasma piston. Results from a snowplow model modified to account for the shock jumps are discussed and compared to experimental data from MAGPIE. Magnetohydrodynamic simulations indicate that this is the primary heating mechanism responsible for the interaction pulse recorded on the Z generator, which is required for pulse shaping for inertial confinement fusion.