Quasi-adiabatic compression of a plasma column by a longitudinal magnetic field

Approximate 1.5-dimensional MHD equations are derived that describe the qua si-adiabatic compression of a thin plasma column by a longitudinal magnetic field. The parameters of the compressed plasma are obtained analytically a s functions of the initial conditions and longitudinal field. The stability of plasma compression against the Rayleigh-Taylor instability is investiga ted. It is shown that, in the Z-Theta-pinch geometry, increasing the longit udinal magnetic field makes it possible to achieve radial compression ratio s of 20-30 without violating the cylindrical symmetry of the column. The po ssibility of thermonuclear ignition in a thin plasma column in a Z-Theta-pi nch configuration is studied. The ranges of the initial plasma densities an d temperatures and the initial lengths of the plasma column that are needed to achieve ignition in a plasma compressed by a factor of 20-30 are determ ined. The parameters of the electromagnetic energy source required to achie ve such a high plasma compression are estimated. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Inter periodica".