Sample Problem: Z-Pinch Hohlraum

Setting Up the Grid

In this example, we present step-by-step instructions for setting up a Z-pinch hohlraum with:

• a cylindrical pinch
• a return current can with 9 slots
• hohlraum top and bottom plates
• a detector and an aperture
• a thin foil located in one of the slots

The parameters shown in this example are somewhat typical of those used to model experiments at the Z facility at Sandia National Laboratories.

The image below shows the grid setup after the above steps are completed. Note that, by default, surface elements with normals away from the viewer appear as wire-frame. Surface elements with normals toward the viewer appear as filled surfaces. For this image, the aperature normals direction was adjusted to show its surface elements as filled (to more clearly see the aperture). The small dot in the upper part of the image is the detector.

Note that the scene and viewer position can also be adjusted using the Viewing/Motion Controls.

Note: it is often useful to display the axes of an object when setting up the grid. This makes it easy to see which is the x-, y-, and z-directions.