Supersonic radiatively cooled rotating flows and jets in the laboratory

Area of Science:

• Laboratory astrophysics
• Plasma physics
• Magnetohydrodynamics

Background:

• Astrophysical jets are ubiquitous in the universe, playing key roles in phenomena from star formation to active galactic nuclei.
• Understanding the generation and dynamics of angular momentum in plasma jets is crucial for astrophysical modeling.
• Previous laboratory experiments have struggled to replicate the complex rotational dynamics observed in astrophysical jets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally produce radiatively cooled plasma jets with dynamically significant angular momentum.
• To investigate the role of wire array configuration in generating rotating plasma flows.
• To control and quantify the rotation velocity of laboratory-produced plasma jets.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel twisted conical wire array z-pinch configuration.
• Generated convergent plasma flows rotating about the central axis.
• Analyzed the resulting standing shock and jet for supersonic azimuthal velocities.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced the first laboratory plasma jets with dynamically significant angular momentum.
• Observed supersonic azimuthal velocities in both the standing shock and the resulting jet.
• Demonstrated control over jet rotation velocity by varying the twist angle of the wire array.
• Achieved jet rotation velocities up to approximately 18% of the propagation velocity.

Conclusions:

• The twisted conical wire array z-pinch is an effective method for generating rotating plasma jets in the laboratory.
• Experimental control over jet rotation velocity is achievable by modifying the array geometry.
• These findings provide a new platform for studying the fundamental physics of angular momentum in astrophysical plasmas.