3 dimensional MHD modeling of the implosion and stagnation of Argon gas puffs

Summary form only given. Large diameter multi-shell gas puffs imploded on the refurbished Z generator will be able to produce high-intensity K-shell radiation. Gas puffs have previously been fielded on a number of generators, including Z prior to the refurbishment. In anticipation of gas puff loads soon to be commissioned on refurbished Z we present preliminary 3-dimensional MHD modeling of the implosion and stagnation of an Argon gas puff. Expanding on 2-dimensional r-z calculations already performed at the Naval Research Laboratory, we discuss 3-dimensional, full circumference calculations of these loads. Calculations are initialized with density profiles constructed from the Abel inversion of two dimensional interferometric measurements of the total mass integrated through the gas puff. Starting with this direct characterization of the gas profiles to be fielded, we examine how axial and azimuthal non-uniformities seed implosion instabilities. Given the 2-dimensional nature and the finite minimum density resolvable in the characterization data, we explore the sensitivity of implosion instabilities to imposed azimuthal perturbations and the treatment of the low density outer edge of the gas profile. Results of 3-dimensional MHD simulations coupled to tabulated Argon emissivities will be discussed.