Characteristics of high-power radiating imploding discharge with cold start

A qualitative model of the dynamics of a multiterawatt radiating Z-pinch with cold start and high rate of current rise is proposed. The model is used to analyze discharges with currents I ～ 2–5 MA (with dI/dt > 10¹³ A/s) through uniform or structured plasma-producing loads, including wire arrays. The most important consequence of cold start is that spatially nonuniform plasma production is prolonged to almost the entire current rise time. Under these conditions, the Ampére force begins to play a dominant role in the plasma dynamics before the plasma-producing load is completely transformed into an accelerated plasma. The results of computations of wire-array vaporization are presented. A formula is proposed for estimating the highest attainable velocity of plasma flow into a heterogeneous liner driven by the Ampére force. It is shown that local imbalance between radial motion of the produced plasma and supply of the plasma-producing substance to be ionized leads to axially nonuniform breakthrough of magnetic flux into the liner, which precedes plasma collapse. The magnetic-flux breakthrough gives rise to a chaotic azimuthal-axial plasma structure consisting of radial plasma jets of relatively small diameter, which is called a radial plasma rainstorm. The breaking-through azimuthal magnetic flux obstructs further current flow in the breakthrough region. Analyses of Z-pinch implosion based on the theory of Rayleigh-Taylor instability or the snowplow model are incorrect under the plasma-rainstorm conditions. The processes taking place in a stagnant Z-pinch include conversion of the energy carried by the current-generated magnetic field into turbulent MHD flow of the ion component of the plasma, its convective mixing with magnetic field, heating, energy transfer from ions to electrons, and emission from the plasma. Under typical experimental conditions, emission plays a key role in the energy balance in an imploding pinch. Z-pinch is modeled by an electric-circuit component that has a time-dependent nonlinear impedance and consumes the magnetic energy supplied by a generator through a magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL). The peak power reached in the circuit is comparable to the peak soft X-ray power output emitted by the pinch in terms of magnitude and timing. Optimum matching conditions are formulated for the generator-MITL-pinch circuit.     

Symmetries and conservation laws of Kadomtsev-Pogutse equations

Kadomtsev-Pogutse equations are of great interest from the viewpoint of the theory of symmetries and conservation laws and, in particular, enable us to demonstrate their potentials in action. This paper presents, firstly, the results of computations of symmetries and conservation laws for these equations and the methods of obtaining these results. Apparently, all the local symmetries and conservation laws admitted by the considered equations are exhausted by those enumerated in this paper. Secondly, we point out some reductions of Kadomtsev-Pogutse equations to more simpler forms which have less independent variables and which, in some cases, allow us to construct exact solutions. Finally, the technique of solution deformation by symmetries and their physical interpretation are demonstrated.     

Possibility of separating spent nuclear fuel components by a plasma method in azimuthal magnetic and radial electric fields

We consider the method of plasma separation of spent nuclear fuel in a system with an azimuthal magnetic field and the electric potential produced by electrodes located in a magnetized plasma. The results of calculation of trajectories of ions simulating uranium and the first peak of its fission products in the oneparticle approximation are described. The effect of the initial position and the initial velocity of ions on their trajectories is analyzed. The conditions ensuring the spatial separation of ions in the groups of masses admissible for practical realization are specified; it is shown that currents on the order of 100 kA through the central conductor and electrostatic potentials on the order of 1 kV are required for this purpose.     

Supercritical fluid chromatography and its application to analysis and preparation of high-purity compounds

The principles of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and its application in various fields are reviewed. A comparison of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and SFC is performed. In discussing the applications, emphasis is placed on the possibility of using SFC in analysis of impurities in pharmaceuticals and biologically important substances and in preparation of high-purity substances. In describing detectors for SFC, special attention is paid to mass-spectrometric detectors.     

The Burgers equation with periodic boundary conditions on an interval

We study the asymptotic profile of the solutions of the Burgers equation on a finite interval with a periodic perturbation on the boundary. The equation describes a dissipative medium, and the initial constant profile therefore passes into a wave with a decreasing amplitude. In the low-viscosity case, the asymptotic profile looks like a sawtooth wave (with periodic breaks of the derivative), similar to the known Fay solution on the half-line, but it has some new properties.     

Study of explosive boiling of transparent liquid on metal substrate exposed to nanosecond laser pulses

Preliminary experimental investigation of photoacoustic pressure signals induced by nanosecond laser pulses in aluminum targets contacting a water layer was performed. It was shown that for some laser intensities the signal has a two-peak structure. The first peak is due to the thermoelastic effect, while the other results from the explosive evaporation. At low intensities, only the first peak is observed. At sufficiently high intensities, the signal recovers the one-peak shape and becomes narrower as compared with the two-peak shape because of the rapid increase in evaporation pressure and earlier beginning of the explosive evaporation.