Axisymmetric stabilized liner implosion system

Abstract

A payload (e.g., a plasma, gas, magnetic field) having an initial energy density is confined within an implosion chamber which also contains a rotating liquid liner having an approximately cylindrical inner surface due to the rotational forces. An annular piston, disposed in the implosion chamber, is free to move parallel to the axis of rotation and has a surface in contact with a portion of the rotating liner. Motion of the piston against the liner (due to a pulsed external driving means) causes the inner surface of the liner to implode radially in said implosion chamber, thereby compressing the initial energy density to a higher energy density. The inner surface of the liner remains stable throughout compression due to the rotation of the liner. The other surfaces of the liner are stabilized by contact with the implosion chamber or the piston. After peak compression, the inner surface of the liner is forced (by the high energy density confined within the liner) radially outward toward its initial position, thereby driving the annular piston toward its initial position and returning energy to the external driving means. An embodiment using a plurality of annular pistons to provide an implosion chamber of arbitrary length is also disclosed.