Asymmetry in fast Z-pinches with thin liners

We use a well-known, two-dimensional solution to Laplace's equation for the vector potential between two perfectly conducting, individually axisymmetric but mutually eccentric, current carrying cylinders to model the geometry and time evolution of an asymmetric Z-pinch. Cylinder eccentricity correlates with an azimuthal variation in the axial current, the magnetic field, and the force on the liner. The asymmetric force sums to a net force tending to restore the inner cylinder to concentricity. Complete pinch compression and concentricity are achieved simultaneously when the initial radius of the inner cylinder R/sub i/(0) is about 2/3 the radius of the outer return current cylinder R/sub o/ or, equivalently, when the initial liner inductance per unit length is about 0.82/spl middot/nH/cm. Compressing the liner onto a finite-sized cylindrical target boosts this critical ratio only up to R/sub i/(0)/R/sub o//spl ap/3/4. Recent and planned liner compression experiments are evaluated according to these criteria.