Shock model for the reversed current flow in a Z-pinch plasma

Abstract

A reversed current flow in a Z-pinch plasma, which has been observed in previous experiments, is reproduced in a one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics simulation. The detailed investigation reveals that the formation of the reversed current flow is caused by the propagation of a shock wave. According to the results of the numerical simulation, a new theoretical model. A shock model is proposed to account for such a phenomenon. The new model shows that a reversed current flow appears when a shock wave that is reflected at axis expands in a compressing plasma column. An ejection of plasma at the boundary and an enhancement of the pinch have also been found to be caused by the expanding shock wave.