Wire array z-pinch implosion dynamics and radiation with a 1D ablation model

A 1D radiation hydrodynamics code with non-LTE collisional radiative population dynamics is used to simulate stainless steel wire array pinch implosions on the ZR generator at Sandia National Laboratories. To account for the wire ablation phase, the initial array position is treated as a time dependent mass source. The spatial extent of the evaporation and radial acceleration forms a thin outer boundary layer to the imploding dynamic flow. The model is parameterized by the plasma creation rate and radial velocity at the inner edge of the layer and can produce various density profiles between the array radius and central axis. The inclusion of a parameterized sub-scale model for the wire ablation phase permits an assessment of the precursor mass distribution on the implosion dynamics and the radiation output with a self-consistent coupling between the ionization dynamics and the radiative output. The discussion will focus on energy coupling, implosion kinetic energy, "JxB" work, Ohmic heating, and the total and K-shell radiation power and yield. In particular, the ratio of the wire ablation time to the current rise time will be examined for its effect upon the radiation pulse shape.