Fusion research in Zimbabwe

Summary form only given, as follows. This work describes in part the results of a simplified three stage model of a plasma focus device in terms of the dimensions, filling gas pressure and charging voltage. An optimum pinch radius ratio of 0.03 to 0.4 was realised. The model showed that the final axial velocity determines the initial inward radial velocity. The second part is the design, fabrication and characterisation of a plasma focus device which has the inner electrode negatively charged (-12 kV). The optimum operating conditions of this plasma focus device were found to be in the pressure range between 0.5 and 2.0 mbar, for all the gases tested and for an inner electrode length of 40/spl sim/mm. The experimental results obtained with the device are presented.