3D Modeling Tool for High Density and High Mach number Plasma Accelerator Research

The DOE¿s Office of Fusion Energy Sciences has initiated the development of high-density, high-mach-number plasma jets for a variety of critical fusion applications, including fueling, driving rotation, and disruption mitigation in magnetic fusion devices. A numerical tool, that can comprehend and optimize the plasma in the plasma accelerator gun, is critically required to support this research. This project will develop a three-dimensional (3D), hybrid, particle-in-cell code, coupled to a fluid simulation tool, to properly model the plasma and geometry of the accelerator. The hybrid code will accurately model accelerating plasma boundaries where both particle and fluid effects are important. Phase I utilized an existing Large Scale Plasma (LSP) code to investigate the effect of plasma conditions in the accelerator on the production of high speed jets. Necessary upgrades of the code, for further study of a full plasma accelerator, were identified. In Phase II, a 3D hybrid code that can accurately model plasma jet accelerators will be developed by adding plasma-surface interaction physics to the LSP code and optimizing the performance of a Message Passing Interface (MPI). Then, the accelerator geometry will be optimized to suppress magneto-hydrodynamic instabilities (in particular, the blow-by instability) and achieve high velocity (>200 km/s), high Mach (>10), high density ( >1017 cm) plasma jets with total mass greater than 100 µg. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The 3D hybrid simulation tool for plasma jet accelerator research should play a significant role in the development of dense plasma jets for important fusion applications. Furthermore, the tool should find use in the research and development of plasma thrusters for space propulsion for interplanetary travel.