Factors Influencing the Current Distribution in MHD Simulations of Wire Array Implosions

Summary form only given. Understanding how the current is distributed during the implosion and stagnation of a wire array Z-pinch, and what factors may influence its distribution is vital if we are to accurately model these devices. The fraction of the drive current present in the final stagnating pinch and the proportion able to re-strike through trailing mass left behind the main implosion can directly influence the X-ray power pulse characteristics. If we are to have confidence in our ability to model and predict the performance of wire arrays as a radiation source then we must understand what directs the flow of current, and the sensitivity of these results to the simulation geometry and initialization. We present 2D, 3D wedge and 3D full circumference resistive MHD calculations demonstrating how the choice of simulation geometry may influence the current distribution. Furthermore we study how the seeding of perturbations impacts the ability of trailing mass to provide an alternative current path.