Fusion burn dynamics in dense Z-pinch (DZP)

The fusion burn dynamics and energy yield of the dense Z-pinch (DZP) are examined using a profile-averaged, zero-dimensional, time dependent model. A range of conditions (fuel, line density, voltage, fusion-product heating, enthalpy endloss, density and temperature profiles, current rise rate, electrode impurities) are examined. Magneto-hydrodynamic stability is assumed, and initial conditions are based on those ideally existing after the melting and ionization of a solid fiber of fusion fuel. Plasma conditions required of neutron sources for materials testing (Sn ≥ 1019 n/s) and for possible commercial power production (ratio of fusion energy yield to energy input, Qp ≅ 15, lower values if reversible recovery of a fraction of the magnetic energy is possible) are described. If fB approx-gt 0.8 fractional fuel burnup is possible in a nominal 800-ns DT discharge (200-ns current-rise phase at 20 MV/m followed by a 500-ns constant-current crowbarred phase), reactor-relevant values of Qp may be possible. For the simpler (and shorter) constant-voltage discharge (e.g., no voltage crowbar) the value of Qp is in the range 5--10 for discharges below 200-ns duration. Smaller levels of fuel burnup, shorter discharges, or generally lower levels of Qp will require a reversible energy transfer system to meet reactor energy-balance requirements. Imposition of a plasma current rise-time constraint that may be needed for stable plasma operation (e.g., I > 1012 A/s) will burnup, Qp and discharge time to an extent where reversible energy/transfer system will be required to meet reactor energy- balance requirements. 25 refs