The magnetic field in a Z-pinch evolves based on the location of measurement and the total current enclosed by a closed loop, as dictated by Ampere's law. When measured inside the pinch, the magnetic field strength increases as the pinch contracts, while measurements outside show no increase. Z-pinches are transient and unstable, often not reaching a steady-state, influenced by the RLC circuit parameters of resistance, capacitance, and inductance. Estimates suggest that magnetic fields in Z-pinch experiments can reach strengths of 10 Tesla to 100 Tesla.
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Sven Andersson said:How does the magnetic field in a Z-pinch develop with time? Does it get stronger and stronger as the pinch contracts? How strong? Where can I read about it on an intermediate or perhaps advanced level? I'm looking for both books and articles.
S.A.
the_wolfman said:It depends on where you measure the magnetic field. From Ampere's law we know that the magnetic field only depends on the total current enclosed by a closed loop. If you measure the magnetic field outside the plasma column, then no the magnetic field won't increase as the pinch contracts. However, if you measure the field somewhere inside the pinch (and assuming a uniform current density) then yes the field will increase.
There are also other factors that affect the strength of the magnetic field. Z-pinches can be short lived experiments which never truly reach a steady-state. Here you have consider the pinch as a part of a RLC circuit. The total current flowing through the pinch will depend on the resistance, capacitance, and inductance of the circuit.
Finally, Z-pinches are notoriously unstable. The instabilities lead to large scale 3-D distortions of plasma column. These distortions also effect the magnetic field.