Atomic model and synthetic diagnostics for large scale parallel simulations of wire array Z-pinches

Summary form only given. The recent improvements made to the parallel computing architecture of the resistive Eulerian MHD code GORGON have enabled high resolution 3D simulations of imploding wire array Z-pinches, to be achieved. Simultaneous calculation of the frequency and time dependent radiative properties of intense X-ray sources within such calculations remains a computationally challenging task. Indeed, Z-pinch plasma conditions are spread across a wide range of parameter space and can locally undergo transitions from optically thin to optically thick regimes, this latter point requiring a close coupling of the radiation and magneto-hydrodynamic solvers. We have developed a simple pseudo NLTE code based on a Screened Hydrogenic Model (SHM) that is rapid enough to be run in-line with GORGON whilst still producing fairly detailed spectral output. An offline version of this code provides a post processing tool with further spectral detail for the generation of synthetic spectra. This model belongs to a suite of numerical diagnostics providing simulated laser shadowgraphy, X-ray radiography, XUV imaging and proton probing capabilities. We present a series of detailed comparisons of high resolution simulations post-processed with these tools, with experimental data from High Energy Density Physics experiments at Imperial College, Sandia National Laboratory and University of Nevada at Reno.