Searching for efficient X-ray radiators for wire array Z-pinch plasmas using mid-atomic-number single planar wire arrays on Zebra at UNR

We continue to search for more efficient X-ray radiators from wire array Z-pinch plasmas. The results of recent experiments with single planar wire array (SPWA) loads made from mid-atomic-number material wires such as Alumel, Cu, Mo, and Ag are presented and compared. In particular, two new efficient X-ray radiators, Alumel (95% Ni, 2% Al, and 2% Si) and Ag, are introduced, and their radiative properties are discussed in detail. The experiments were performed on the 1 MA Zebra generator at UNR. The X-ray yields from such mid-atomic-number SPWAs exceed twice those from low-atomic-number SPWAs, such as Al, and increase with the atomic number to reach more than 27–29 kJ for Ag. To consider the main contributions to the total radiation, we divided the time interval of the Z-pinch dynamic where wire ablation and implosion, stagnation, and plasma expansion occur in corresponding phases and studied the radiative and implosion characteristics within them. Theoretical tools such as non-LTE kinetics and wire ablation dynamic models were applied in the data analysis. These results and the models developed have much broader applications, not only for SPWAs on Zebra, but for other HED plasmas with mid-atomic-number ions.     

Modeling of K-shell Al and Mg radiation from compact single, double planar and cylindrical alloyed Al wire array plasmas produced on the 1 MA Zebra generator at UNR

Radiative emission from alloyed Al single, double and compact cylindrical wire arrays have been studied using the 1 MA Zebra UNR generator. Single planar wire arrays using ten wires and double planar wire arrays and compact cylindrical wire arrays (CCWA) that both had sixteen wires were utilized. The wire composition is Al-5056 (95% of Al and 5% of Mg). We have observed that implosion of these alloyed Al wire loads generated optically thick Al plasmas that can be diagnosed using K-shell Mg lines. In particular, among the considered loads, the K-shell lines of Al from implosions of the double planar wire arrays have the highest optical depth for He-like Al resonance transitions, which occurred near the stagnation phase. X-ray time-gated and time-integrated spectra and pinhole images as well as photoconductive detectors signals were analyzed to provide information on the plasma parameters; electron temperatures and densities, implosion dynamics features and power and yields of the X-ray radiation. Previously developed non-LTE models were applied to model axially-resolved time-integrated, as well as time-gated spatially-integrated, K-shell spectra from Al and Mg. The derived time-dependent electron temperature, density and axial opacity were studied and compared. In addition, the wire ablation dynamics model (WADM) was used to calculate the kinetic energy of the plasma, which with the aid of a Local Thermal Equilibrium (LTE) magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) simulation, allowed to estimate the precursor and stagnated z-pinch plasma electron temperatures from implosions of wire array loads.     

WADM and radiation MHD simulations of compact multi-planar and cylindrical wire arrays at 1 MA currents

The radiative performance of Z-pinches created by the imploding wire array loads is defined by the ablation and implosion dynamics of these loads. Both these processes can be effectively modeled by the Wire Ablation Dynamics Model (WADM), which extends the formalism exploited earlier for the cylindrical wire arrays to the loads of arbitrary geometries. The WADM calculates the ablation rates for each array wire and provides the important dynamic parameters, such as the specific mass and velocity of the imploding plasma, which can be used to estimate the shapes of the x-ray pre-pulse and, partially, the main x-ray burst. The applications of the WADM also extend to combined material wire array loads. The ablation and implosion dynamics of novel Prism Planar Wire Array (PPWA) and combined material (Mo/Al/Mo) Triple Planar Wire Array (TPWA) loads are discussed in detail. The combined WADM and radiation MHD simulation is applied to model the radiative performance of the precursor plasma column, created by the imploding stainless steel compact cylindrical wire array. As the radiation effects intensify with the mass accumulation at the array center, the simulation reveals the transformation of quasi-uniform precursor column into a heterogeneous plasma structure with strong density and temperature gradients. We find that radiative performance of the precursor plasma is greatly affected by the load geometry as well as by the wire material.     

A review of new wire arrays with open and closed magnetic configurations at the 1.6 MA Zebra generator for radiative properties and opacity effects

The studies emphasize investigation of plasma formation, implosion, and radiation features as a function of two load configurations: compact multi-planar and cylindrical wire arrays. Experiments with different Z-pinch loads were performed on 1.6 MA, 100 ns, Zebra generator at University of Nevada, Reno. The multi-planar wire arrays (PWAs) were studied in open and closed configurations with Al, Cu, brass, Mo and W wires. In the open magnetic configurations (single, double, triple PWAs) magnetic fields are present inside the arrays from the beginning of discharge, while in closed configurations (prism-like PWA) the global magnetic field is excluded inside before plasma flow occurs. The new prism-like PWA allows high flexibility in control of implosion dynamics and precursor formation. The spectral modeling, magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) and wire ablation dynamic model (WADM) codes were used to describe the plasma evolution and plasma parameters. Experimentally observed electron temperature and density in multiple bright spots reached 1.4 keV and 5 × 10²¹ cm^?3, respectively. Two types of bright spots were observed. With peak currents up to 1.3 MA opacity effects became more pronounced and led to a limiting of the X-ray yields from compact cylindrical arrays. Despite different magnetic energy to plasma coupling mechanisms early in the implosion a comparison of compact double PWA and cylindrical WA results indicates that during the stagnation stage the same plasma heating mechanism may occur. The double PWA was found to be the best radiator tested at University scale 1 MA generator. It is characterized by a combination of larger yield and power, mm-scale size, and provides the possibility of radiation pulse shaping. Further, the newer configuration, the double PWA with skewed wires, was tested and showed the possibility of a more effective X-ray generation.     

Atomic physics of relativistic high contrast laser-produced plasmas in experiments on Leopard laser facility at UNR

The results of the recent experiments focused on study of x-ray radiation from multicharged plasmas irradiated by relativistic (I > 10¹⁹ W/cm²) sub-ps laser pulses on Leopard laser facility at NTF/UNR are presented. These shots were done under different experimental conditions related to laser pulse and contrast. In particular, the duration of the laser pulse was 350 fs or 0.8 ns and the contrast was varied from high (10^?7) to moderate (10^?5). The thin laser targets (from 4 to 750 μm) made of a broad range of materials (from Teflon to iron and molybden to tungsten and gold) were utilized. Using the x-ray diagnostics including the high-precision spectrometer with resolution R ～ 3000 and a survey spectrometer, we have observed unique spectral features that are illustrated in this paper. Specifically, the observed L-shell spectra for Fe targets subject to high intensity lasers (～10¹⁹ W/cm²) indicate electron beams, while at lower intensities (～10¹⁶ W/cm²) or for Cu targets there is much less evidence for an electron beam. In addition, K-shell Mg features with dielectronic satellites from high-Rydberg states, and the new K-shell F features with dielectronic satellites including exotic transitions from hollow ions are highlighted.     

Radiative transfer effects of an axisymmetric particulate jet into a cylindrical pipe

This paper discusses the radiative transfer effects of an axisymmetric gas-particles jet into a cylindrical pipe. The medium is gray and it participates to radiation by emission, absorption and scattering. The two-phase flow problem is solved numerically by the finite volume method. We investigate the radiative transfer through a sensitivity analysis which considers the effects of the particle radiative properties and the particle number density on the temperature field and on the radiative heat fluxes of the two-phase flow domain. Analysis of the temperature profile in the cylinder, without and then with particle radiation effects, shows a decrease in the medium temperatures and thus an important role of the radiative transfer. These results also show that the presence of scattering makes the medium temperature more uniform. Finally, analysis of the particle number density, through the variation of the injection velocity, shows that a decrease in the injection velocity decreases the temperatures of the gas and particles and rapidly equilibrates the gas and particle temperatures.     

Investigation of characteristics of hard x-rays produced during implosions of wire array loads on 1.6 MA Zebra generator

Experimental study of the characteristics of hard x-ray (HXR) emission from multi-planar wire arrays and compact-cylindrical wire arrays (CCWA) plasmas on the 1.6 MA Zebra generator at UNR has been carried out. The characteristics of HXR produced by multi-planar wire arrays such as single, double, and triple planar as well as compact-cylindrical wire arrays made from Al, Cu, brass, Mo, and W were analyzed. Data from spatially resolved time-integrated and spatially integrated time-gated x-ray spectra recorded by LiF spectrometers, x-ray pinhole images, and signals from fast x-ray detectors have been used to study spatial distribution and time history of HXR emission with different loads. The dependence of the HXR yield and power on the wire material, geometry of the load and load mass is observed. Both HXR yield and power are minimum for Al and maximum for W loads. The HXR yield increases with the rise of the atomic number of the material for all loads. The presence of aluminum wires in the load with the main material such as Cu, Mo, or W in combined wire arrays decreases HXR yield. For W plasma, the intensity of cold L-shell spectral lines (1–1.5 Å) correlates with corresponding amplitude of HXR signals which may suggest the evidence of generation of electron beams in plasma. It is found that HXRs are generated from different plasma regions by the interaction of electron-beam with the plasma trailing mass, with the material of anode and due to thermal radiation from plasma bright spots. The theoretical assumption of thermal mechanism of HXR emission predicts the different trends for dependency of HXR power on atomic number and load mass.     

Acoustic oscillations of a gas near nested thin-walled cylindrical obstacles in a channel

The frequencies of eigenoscillations of obstacles axisymmetrically arranged in a channel are found as functions of the obstacle lengths and locations with the use of a mathematical model that describes eigenoscillations of a gas near several thin-walled cylindrical obstacles in a channel. The velocity field and gas density distribution in the channel are found for the first mode of eigenoscillations.     

Excitation of a system of two nested multimode cylindrical piezovibrators by nonsteady electrical signals

S. P. Timoshenko Institute of Mechanics, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Kiev. Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 30, No. 7, pp. 29–36, July, 1994.     

Effect of a helical wire on mixed convection heat transfer to carbon dioxide in a vertical circular tube at supercritical pressures

Reactor core of a SCWR (supercritical water-cooled reactor) employs a tight lattice in order to efficiently remove heat from nuclear fuels. In the narrow sub-channels of a tight lattice reactor core, a helical wire instead of a complicated conventional spacer has been used as a turbulence generator and a space-keeper between the fuel rods.A series of experiments were performed in order to investigate an effect of a helical wire on heat transfer to upwardly flowing CO₂ in a electrically-heated circular tube with an inner diameter of 6.32 mm, where a helical wire with an outer diameter of 1.3 mm was tightly inserted inside the tube. The tube inner diameter corresponds to the equivalent hydraulic diameter of a sub-channel of a KAERI’s fuel assembly concept. The mass fluxes ranged from 400 to 1200 kg/m² s; the heat fluxes ranged from 30 to 90 kW/m²; and the pressures were 7.75 and 8.12 MPa. The corresponding Reynolds numbers at the test section inlet ranged from 1.8 × 10⁴ to 7.5 × 10⁴. The heat transfer rate reached almost twice the value obtained from the experiment with a plain tube of the same size near the pseudocritical temperature and the effect of a wire was attenuated as the temperature moved away from the pseudocritical temperature. The wall temperature distribution along the span between the contact points was a concave downward parabola. Near the pseudocritical temperature, the wall temperature showed relatively higher values, indicating a stagnant fluid around the wire. On the other hand, the wall temperature at the contact point showed a relatively lower value, indicating a fin function of a wire.     

Mathematical simulation of mixed convection in a vertical cylindrical vessel

Mixed laminar convection in a vertical cylindrical vessel is investigated. A flow model is developed and the temperature distribution in the core is obtained for a given specific heat flux on the lateral surface. The results of the analytic simulation are compared with numerical solutions of the problem for a specific heat flux which is constant on the lateral wall or varies linearly with height. Moscow. Translated from Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 6, pp. 9–17, November–December, 1998.     

Radiative mixed convection flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid over an inclined stretching surface

A mixed convection flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid in the presence of thermal radiation is investigated. The flow is induced by an inclined stretching surface. The boundary layer equations of the Oldroyd-B fluid in the presence of heat transfer are used. Appropriate transformations reduce partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations. A computational analysis is performed for convergent series solutions. The values of the local Nusselt number are numerically analyzed. The effects of various parameters on velocity and temperature are discussed.     

Simulation of converging cylindrical GPa-range shock waves generated by wire array underwater electrical explosions

Results of one-dimensional numerical simulations of the parameters of the converging strong shock wave generated by electrical underwater explosions of a cylindrical wire array with different array radii and different deposited energies are presented. It was shown that for each wire array radius there exists an optimal duration of the energy deposition into the exploding array, which allows one to maximize the shock wave pressure and temperature in the vicinity of the implosion axis. The simulation results agree well with the 130-GPa pressure in the vicinity of the implosion axis that was recently obtained, which strongly indicates the azimuthal symmetry of the converging shock wave at these extreme conditions. Also, simulations showed that using a pulsed power generator with a stored energy of ~200 kJ, the pressure and temperature at the shock wave front reaches ~220 GPa and 1.7 eV at 0.1 mm from the axis of implosion in the case of a 2.5 mm radius wire array explosion. It was found that, in spite of the complicated equation of state of water, the maximum pressure at the shock wave front at radius r can be estimated as P ≈ (P*(r*/r) ^α , where P* is the known value of pressure at the shock wave front at radius r* ≥ r and α is a parameter that equals 0.62±0.02. A rough estimate of the implosion parameters of the hydrogen target after the interaction with the converging strong shock wave is presented as well.     

The torsional fatigue properties of titanium-alloy spring wire

The absence of any torsional fatigue-test data on currently used titanium-alloy spring wire along with inconsistent fatigue-test data derived from earlier test programs prompted this investigation. The torsional fatigue testing was performed on straight lengths of 13V?11Cr?3Al titanium-alloy spring wire in diameters of 0.148 in. (0.376 cm), 0.225 in. (0.572 cm) and 0.374 in. (0.950 cm) considered as representative. A second material selected as a possible alternate for 13V?11Cr?3Al spring was 3Al?8V?6Cr?4Mo?4Zr which was tested in diameters of 0.225 in. (0.572 cm) and 0.376 in. (0.955 cm). Testing as straight-wire lengths eliminated the manufacturing variables introduced by fabricating a helical-spring geometry. Two methods were considered for improving fatigue life, namely abrasive cleaning and shot peening. At a torsional stress of 100 ksi (689.5 MPa), the test data indicate that an improvement in fatigue life of at least one order of magnitude may be realized by shot peening 0.225-in. (0.572-cm)-diam 13V?11Cr?3Al wire to an intensity of 0.015A. A similar improvement of fatigue life may be gained by shot peening 0.148-in. (0.376-cm)-diam wire to a similar intensity. A substantial fatigue-life improvement was obtained by an obrasive-cleaning operation on all wire diameters tested. The fatigue life of the 3Al?8V?6Cr?4Mo?4Zr titanium-alloy wire in the cold-worked and aged condition was lower at all stress levels and diameters tested than for similar diameters of 13V?11Cr?3Al titanium-alloy wire.     

Some dynamic properties of axially loaded wire ropes

Results are presented on the transverse damping, the transverse fundamental natural frequency as well as the longitudinal fundamental natural frequency for axially loaded wire ropes. Twelve different wire ropes are tested. During the test, a mass is centrally attached to the rope. The results indicate an increasing transverse damping with an increasing axial load. This damping is primarily attributed to a Coulomb damping. Although core material and construction influence the transverse damping of the wire rope, no relationships are found when comparing this damping with the structural strength, the number of wires used in the rope, the alloy composition or the heat treatment of the rope materials. The transverse and longitudinal fundamental natural frequencies of the axially loaded wire ropes with a mass centrally attached has been satisfactorily modeled.