Two-dimensional MHD simulation of argon gas puff nozzle flows and Z-pinches

Summary form only given. Argon gas puff Z-pinches are used as sources of pulses of K shell X radiation. The density and velocity distributions of these gas puffs determine the quality of their subsequent implosions. These distributions are controlled by carefully designed annular nozzles. The effect of changes in the nozzle design on the quality of the gas puff can be assessed by directly examining the measured density distributions. Computational fluid dynamic simulation can assist in this process by providing insight into the structures and improving the fabricate/test cycle convergence. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation can provide a relatively quick evaluation of the density distribution a given nozzle shape produce, and of the quality of the pinch that result from a given density distribution. Thus it may be possible to design improvements in nozzle shape without subjective evaluation of the density distribution.