Shrapnel Formation in a Z-Pinch Power Plant*

The mainline z-pinch IFE power plant design has a recyclable transmission line (RTL) that drives a fusion capsule with output energy in the range of about 3 GJ. The deposition of this energy will result in the RTL close to the target being transformed to high temperature plasma. The RTL farther away from the fusion capsule will be converted to liquid and shrapnel. The shrapnel is composed of droplets, aerosols, liquid, and solid metal. Continuum theory and molecular dynamics calculations are being used to quantify the shrapnel production as a result of spallation driven by shock reflection. The study will also focus on the essential issue of the defect content in the RTL material. We are developing scaling laws that show which sections of the RTL are turned into plasma, droplets, aerosols, liquid, and solid metal. We are also evaluating the effects of post-shot EMP, plasma, droplets, and shrapnel up the RTL.