Nonideal MHD plasma regimes in the study of dynamic Z pinches

Detailed simulations of wire-array Z pinches with Radiation MHD codes require calculations which span a broad range of plasma parameters. An introductory study of the various regimes accessed by nonequilibrium Z pinches of the type fielded on the Z accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories is presented. In particular, the physics of wire initiation and breakdown and liner implosion are considered. The conditions for ideal and some nonideal MHD dynamics, including fluid viscosity, resistivity, and Hall current dynamics are reviewed. A discussion of the relevance of MHD simulations and modeling to the various plasma regimes is given.