Fusion Gain and Triple Product for the Sheared-Flow-Stabilized <i>Z</i> Pinch

Fusion gain Q and triple product nTτ are derived for the sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z pinch by including input power associated with driving plasma flow additional advective loss of thermal energy. Plasma impurities contribute to radiative losses increasing electron population. The presence increases required parameters, characterized product, achieve fusion gain. analysis is applied deuterium-tritium (D-T) fusion, though methodology can be extended other reactions. Since D-T produces an alpha particle, possibility exists magnetically confining sufficiently high magnetic fields, which self-generated current. Confined particles heat fuel, reduce needed power, thereby amplify However, ignition (Q→∞) does not occur since axial must externally driven. impacts heating impurity considered on performance SFS pinch. Requirements, assumptions, limitations described that would justify a determination “D-T equivalent Q=1 conditions” in D-D plasma. A minimum set experimental measurements parameters specified compared parameter map facilitate “Q=1” claim, where defined instantaneous values power. Corroborating also discussed further support extrapolation operation.