Numerical simulation of the nonlinear evolution of an exploded wire plasma

Numerical simulations of exploded wire plasmas have been conducted using a two‐dimensional (r‐z) magnetohydrodynamic computer code for several experimental configurations. Recent results with an aluminium wire showing the development of the nonlinear sausage instability are presented. Short‐wavelength modes are observed to grow and saturate initially, while longer wavelengths evolve later through nonlinear processes, particularly magnetic field diffusion. This behavior, as well as predicted energy output, appears to be consistent with experiment.