Numerical experiments on the total D-D fusion neutron yield versus deuterium pressure for different energy plasma focus devices using the Lee model code
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2023
Abstract
Numerical experiments using the Lee model code were carried out to compute the total D-D fusion neutron yield versus initial deuterium pressure for nine different plasma focus devices PF50, AACS, PF400J, PF2.2, UNU-ICTP, PFZ200, PF24, PF78, Poseidon]. The computed data were compared with the published experimental results. In addition, the maximum discharge current, the pinch current and the pinch ion number density, as a function of initial deuterium pressure, were discussed, as well as their effect on the neutron yield. The optimum pressures that correspond to the maximum neutron yield Y-n were obtained for all considered devices, with reference to the specific plasma focus properties. The scaling laws for the D-D fusion neutron production, in terms of storage energies E-0 and pinch current I-pinch, were derived. The scaling of Yn with Ipinch and E-0 over the whole range of investigated energies up to 300 kJ has been obtained as follows: Y-n similar to I-pinch(5), Y-n similar to E-0(1.95). These laws are important in the planning and design of a plasma focus as a potentially powerful pulse neutron source.
Keywords
dense plasma focus, Lee code, neutron yield, D-D fusion, thermonuclear, deuterium gas
Funders
Damascus University,Ministry of Higher Education of the Syrian Arab Republic
Publication Title
Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion
Volume
65
Issue
5
Publisher
IOP Publishing Ltd
Publisher Location
TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND