A laboratory plasma source as an MHD model for astrophysical jets

Summary form only given. The CPS-1 (Coaxial Plasma Source) facility at NCSU is capable of producing high conductivity, high enthalpy magneto-flows in widely varied applied magnetization. Investigation of these laboratory flows has suggested flow regime and morphological similarity with astro-jets through an MHG interpretation. Recent results show that the magneto-plasma flows from CPS-1 remain well collimated beyond seven gun radii downstream from the gun muzzle. We further observe the propagation of strong interaction layers during discharge initiation resembling working surfaces. As well, evidence suggests the formation of detached plasmoid propagation. We will present experimental results from an extensive investigation of the collimation and stability, and initiation flow dynamics of magnetized and unmagnetized CPS-1 flows, the latter showing great morphological similarity to optical and AGN jets.