Exploring the parameter space of MagLIF implosions using similarity scaling. I. Theoretical framework

Magneto-inertial fusion concepts, such as the magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) platform [M. R. Gomez et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 155003 (2014)], constitute an alternative path for achieving ignition and significant fusion yields in the laboratory. The space of experimental input parameters defining a MagLIF load is highly multi-dimensional, and the implosion itself is a complex event involving many physical processes. In the first paper of this series, we develop a simplified analytical model that identifies the main physical processes at play during a MagLIF implosion. Using non-dimensional analysis, we determine the most important dimensionless parameters characterizing MagLIF implosions and provide estimates of such parameters using typical fielded or experimentally observed quantities for MagLIF. We then show that MagLIF loads can be incompletely similarity scaled, meaning that the experimental input parameters of MagLIF can be varied such that many (but not all) of the dimensionless quantities are conserved. Based on similarity-scaling arguments, we can explore the parameter space of MagLIF loads and estimate the performance of the scaled loads. In the follow-up papers of this series, we test the similarity-scaling theory for MagLIF loads against simulations for two different scaling vectors, which include current scaling and rise-time scaling.

Automated summary

Magneto-inertial fusion concepts, such as the magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) platform, provide an alternative approach for achieving fusion in the laboratory. Through simplified analytical modeling and non-dimensional analysis, the important parameters characterizing MagLIF implosions are identified and estimated using experimental observations. It is found that MagLIF implosions can be incompletely similarity scaled, allowing exploration of the parameter space and estimation of performance for scaled loads. The subsequent papers in this series test the similarity-scaling theory for MagLIF loads against simulations with different scaling vectors.