MagLIF: Dynamics and energetics of liner and fuel.

Pinch-based fusion reactors require multi-MA currents delivered to mm-radii at high fusion fuel densities, leading to necessity of a metallic liner for the current path. One possible solution is MagLIF, magnetized liner inertial fusion. The drive current typically rises to tens of MA in 100 ns. The fuel is magnetized, initially at 20 T, preheated at 80 ns to 0.3 keV. This paper describes a model that computes the dynamics and compressions of D-T fuel and beryllium liner, incorporating alpha heating, bremsstrahlung and conduction losses. At 70 MA, liner deformation causes fuel density to peak 0.3 ns before stagnation. Fuel pressure continues rising due to temperature enhancement by alpha capture. Beyond stagnation, the liner provides containment of the fuel until breakup. Fusion reactions occur 0.5 ns before, and increase through stagnation, until final disintegration 0.3 ns later. Breakeven engineering gain is found at an indicative value of 26 MA. • The dynamics and compressions of D-T fuel and Be liner for MagLIF were described. • D-T fuel must be initially magnetized at 20 T and preheated at 80 ns to 0.3 keV. • Deformation of the liner limits CR to peak just before stagnation. • MagLIF may achieve D-T engineering breakeven at discharge current over 26 MA. • Fusion yield at 90 bar D-T, 70.9 MA, 8 T bias field and 0.3 keV preheat is 808 MJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]