BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:UW-Madison-Physics-Events
BEGIN:VEVENT
SEQUENCE:0
UID:UW-Physics-Event-8952
DTSTART:20241021T170500Z
DTEND:20241021T180000Z
DTSTAMP:20260413T184740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241012T144152Z
LOCATION:1610 Engineering Hall
SUMMARY:Thermonuclear Fusion in a Stabilized Z Pinch and Integration i
 nto a Technology Demonstrator\, Plasma Physics (Physics/ECE/NE 922) Se
 minar\, Prof. Uri Shumlak\, University of Washington-Seattle and ZAP E
 nergy
DESCRIPTION:Many confinement configurations use large magnetic field c
 oils to stabilize plasma\, resulting in lower plasma beta – a measur
 e of confinement efficiency defined as the ratio of plasma pressure to
  magnetic pressure. In contrast\, the Z pinch achieves an ideal unity 
 beta without the need for magnetic field coils. An axial plasma curren
 t generates the confining magnetic field\, which balances the radial p
 lasma pressure gradient. Increasing this current compresses the plasma
  adiabatically\, raising its density and temperature. Despite its pote
 ntial\, the Z pinch is prone to MHD instabilities that destroy confine
 ment. The sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z pinch mitigates these instab
 ilities using axial flows and has shown the ability to confine plasma 
 at fusion conditions without magnetic field coils\, promising a more c
 ompact fusion device. This presentation will discuss experimental resu
 lts from the FuZE (Fusion Z-pinch Experiment) device\, demonstrating h
 igh-performance plasmas and sustained fusion reactions. Neutron energy
  measurements indicate a thermonuclear fusion process\, with reaction 
 rates consistent with adiabatic compression scaling. High-fidelity num
 erical simulations suggest that sheared-flow stabilization remains eff
 ective at reactor-grade plasma conditions. Additionally\, scaling stud
 ies show the potential of the SFS Z pinch as a high-gain fusion energy
  source. Finally\, we will present an integrated reactor technology de
 monstrator combining key subsystems including Z-pinch plasma confineme
 nt\, liquid metal electrodes\, and repetitive operation\, highlighting
  its viability as a carbon-free terrestrial power source.
URL:https://www.physics.wisc.edu/events/?id=8952
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR