Multi-dimensional z-pinch calculations with ALEGRA

Summary form only given. ALEGRA is one of the principal computer codes being used at Sandia National Laboratories for simulating the dynamic material response of complex configurations. It solves coupled physics problems in two or three spatial dimensions using Lagrangian, Eulerian, and/or ALE coordinates. The code runs on massively parallel computers, and contains a large variety of physics options including hydrodynamics, MHD with external circuit coupling, radiation transport, thermal conduction, and dual ion and electron temperatures. Applications simulated to-date include exploding Z-pinch wires, imploding Z-pinch plasma sheaths and wire arrays, isentropic compression and flyer plate experiments, radiation-driven jetting experiments, and debris effects on partitioned pipes. The primary goal is to perform fully-integrated, three-dimensional Z-pinch simulations. These simulations must be of sufficient quality to a demonstrate predictive capability for magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth, single-shell Z-pinch and nested wire array geometries, and static-walled and dynamic hohlraum ICF configurations. We present several calculations performed with the MHD, radiation, and coupled-physics modeling capability available within the ALEGRA framework. Some calculations illustrate the extensive verification and validation tests that are critical to assuring the correctness of a complex code. Additional calculations illustrate comparisons with experimental data obtained from the Z accelerator, and with results from other radiation MHD codes. We emphasize that ALEGRA is under continuing development, but as shown here, it is also being used routinely to address practical issues associated with experimental design and applications of real interest.