Computer Simulation of Laser Fusion/Some Aspects of Plasma Physics

Abstract

During last three years, our group has carried out research work in field of Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion both theoretically and experimentally. Our group has published or submitted 9 research papers. The work done is summarized below: We designed fabricated (including sparkgap, trigger unit, 20 KV 50 mA power supply & electrodes assembly) and successfully operated the 3.6 KJ plasma focus. We contracted by using a neutron source of intensity 10^5 Neutrons/sec. borrowed from the PINSTECH. Specifically, the effects of insulator sleeve length and “ ceiling” in analogy with Filippov geometry were investigated. Numerical design and optimization of the device was also made. Senior Research officer Mr. Zakaullah has done his Ph.D. based on this experimental work. We studied the dynamics of high density z-pinch and θ-pinch. Research officer Mr. Tariq completed his M.Phil. in the numerical study of z-pinch and Mr. Farhat did his M.Phil. in the numerical study of θ-pinch. A magnetic forming to generate high magnetic field for the compression of diamagnetic sleeves was designed and fabricated. A 3 KJ θ-pinch machine donated from Ruhr University Bochm was installed, tested and successfully operated. We developed a general formulation of electromagnetic radiative thermal instabilities including the frequency ranges which are beyond magnetohydrodynamic description. We also studied the nonlocal heat transport in steep temperature and density gradients in laser produced plasmas. We have extended the nonlocal heat transport model of Albritton et al. [ Phys. Rev. Lett. 57,1887(1986)] by solving the reduced Fokker-Planck equation. Research Officers Mr. Arshad and Mr. Qaisar attempted the problems, i) the electrostatic potential effect on nonlocal heat transport, ii) a small Ambipolar field effect, iii) the effect of bi-Maxwellian distribution function corresponding to hot and cold species of electrons.