Scaling of end loss times in linear theta pinches

The influence of energy loss on the particle loss from the ends of a linear theta pinch is examined. The basic formalism for the equations which have been used to scale linear theta pinches is first developed, then examined relative to inherent constraints. Characteristic times for pinch, compression, wave propagation, and loss for various experiments are noted to be not repetitively ordered, thus making data extrapolation difficult. Taking ion temperature as a decaying variable, the e-folding particle loss time (t/sub e/) is evaluated in a self-consistent fashion, first for exponential T/sub i/ decay (t/sub thl/) and also for linear T/sub i/ decay. Expressions for particle loss times are evaluated for t/sub thl/ less and greater than, respectively, t/sub e/. Expressions for scaling loss time are presented. Millisecond particle loss times for moderate length (approximately 150 meters) linear pinches are indicated because of low temperatures at the ends due to energy loss