Large-Scale Instabilities in Strong, Fast Rising Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Experiments on the MIG high-current generator at a current of ~ 2 MA with a rise time of 100 ns were performed to study the explosion of cylindrical copper conductors of diameter 2 mm in a magnetic field of up 400 T. Plasma jets propagating in the radial direction with a velocity of ~ 7·105 cm/s were recorded on the surface of a conductor. A possible reason for the appearance of such plasma structure is the development of flute instabilities.