Radiographic research of the metal-puff plasma jets formed by the vacuum arc discharge

Abstract

Currently, along with the wire array and gas-puff Z-pinches, the Metal-Puff Z-pinches (based on vacuum arc discharge systems) are used [1]. The advantages of Metal-Puff Z-pinches are: A — significant initial conductivity (~ 104 Ohm−1-m−1 [2]) and consequently, the absence of a problem with a “cold start”, B — possibility of reusable use and C — stable Z-pinch implosion. One of the most important parameters of the liner shell is the substance distribution (both across and along its length). The most informative method for investigation of the dense plasma stream distribution is X-pinch radiography (the spatial resolution is about of 10 μm, while the temporal resolution is about of 1 ns [3]). The diagnostics in combination with the step-wedge manufactured from the same material as the investigated plasma, allows carrying out not only qualitative but also quantitative analysis of the plasma flow structure. The main aim of the work was to determine the distribution of the plasma jet mass per unit length for different geometry of the plasma jet formation.