Formation of a sheared flow Z-pinch

The ZaP experiment has been built to experimentally study the theoretical prediction that sheared flows stabilize plasma instabilities. The experiment uses a coaxial accelerator region coupled with an assembly region to generate Z-pinches with an embedded flow. Previous experiments have seen pinch-like structures which persist while the current is maintained. Theories model the initial plasma of these experiments. This dissertation describes the design of the experimental hardware and diagnostics of the ZaP Flow Z-Pinch experiment at the University of Washington. The plasma velocity is measured with passive spectroscopy. A technique is developed to deconvolve the spectra to obtain axial velocity profiles. Z-pinches which remain quiescent for 1000 instability growth times are measured. During the quiescent period in the magnetic mode amplitude, a sheared flow is present. The shear levels are consistent with the published theory. At the end of the quiescent period, the velocity is uniform and below the value predicted by theory. The results are consistent with the theoretical predictions. A deflagration mode in the accelerator supplies plasma to the Z-pinch during the quiescent period. When the deflagration mode ends, the magnetic mode activity increases. This mode of operation appears to only be limited by the gas injection rate, pumping speed, and driving circuit, not instabilities.