Numerical experiments on neutron yield and soft x-ray study of a ∼100 kJ plasma focus using the current profile fitting technique

Abstract

Numerical experiments using the Lee model were performed to study the neutron yield and soft x-ray emission from the IR-MPF-100 plasma focus using the current fitting technique. The mass sweeping factor and the current factor for the axial and radial phase were used to represent the imperfections encountered in experiments. All gross properties including the yields were realistically simulated once the computed and measured current profiles were well fitted. The computed neutron yield Y n was in agreement with the experimentally measured Y n at 20 kV (E 0 ∼ 30 kJ) charging voltage. The optimum computed neutron yield of Y n = 1.238 × 10 9 neutrons per shot was obtained at optimum physics parameters of the plasma focus operated with deuterium gas. It was also observed that no soft x-rays were emitted from the IR-MPF-100 plasma focus operated with argon gas due to the absence of helium-like and hydrogen-like ions at a low plasma temperature (∼0.094 keV) and axial speed (8.12 cm µs −1). However, the soft x-ray yield can be achieved by increasing the charging voltage, using a higher ratio of outer anode radius to inner anode radius c or shorter anode length z 0 , or using neon as the operating gas.

Numerical Studies on Pinching Radius Effects to Current Densities of NX2 Plasma Focus

“…The profiles of the discharged currents start from the breakdown phase until the end of pinch phase; and along the phases, it will signify the Joule heating, radiative emissions, and the expended column current flow that abruptly transited from the narrow pinch. The validation of computed PF system with the actual experiments were determined by current fitting techniques [11] that comprises model parameter of mass shedding effects and current shedding factor f , f ,( ) | f , f ( ) . These parameters were scrutinized by parts to ensure interrelation with the dynamics, thermodynamics, electrodynamics, and radiation events of the PF.…”

A new concept of fusion neutron monitoring for PF-1000 device

“…Neutron fl ux measurements are also widely used to monitor the reaction rate and fuel burn-up level in nuclear reactors [5]. Neutron A new concept of fusion neutron monitoring for PF-1000 device* monitors are used to obtain optimum physical parameters in plasma focus devices (PF) for maximum Y n [6][7][8]. These procedures enable further analysis of deuteron-deuteron (D-D) pinch reactions in the PF-1000 device and for plasma physics in general.…”

Performance of pinching radius effects to current densities of NX2 plasma focus

“…Beam of fast deuteron generated at plasma diode will interact with the hot and dense plasma at focus pinch column. Lee [8,9], Gribkov [12] and Pimenov [10] have done substantial studies on ion beam based on the beam target mechanism. Lee defined beam that passing through a plasma target as a formula cross-section = reaction rate (beam ion number flux x number of target particles).…”