IVORY PIC simulations of the Z insulator stack

The IVORY code has been modified to enable pulsed-power component design on desktop computers. A front-end based on a commercial CAD package (MICROSTATION) allows graphical creation and editing of conductors and dielectrics. Diagnostics can also be positioned graphically. Multi-segment transmission lines can be attached to each boundary of the simulation region. A mouse-driven post-processor is used to analyse the simulation output. The code has been used to model the water-plastic-vacuum interface in the Z machine. In particular, the effect of grading-ring emission on the potential distribution was calculated and found to be severe. Avoidance of ring emission was the main criterion used to design the vacuum flare in the vicinity of the insulator stack.