Two dimensional and three dimensional MHD simulations of wire array Z-pinch experiments

Summary form only given, as follows. Recent experiments on the MAGPIE generator at Imperial College have demonstrated the complex three dimensional nature of wire array Z-pinch implosions. We have developed a 3D resistive MHD code, in order to model these experiments. Running the code in 2D(x,y) geometry with high spatial resolution, reproduces the collapse dynamics, radial plasma streaming and precursor formation observed experimentally. The persistence of cold, unionized, wire cores dominates the collapse dynamics. Lower resolution 3D runs illustrate the differences in the behavior of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in wire arrays compared to uniform shell implosions. Results of simulations of single and nested wire array experiments at Sandia National Laboratories will also be presented.