Concept to diagnose mix with imaging x-ray Thomson scattering

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Plasma physics
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Turbulent mixing is critical in astrophysical phenomena and inertial confinement fusion (ICF).
• Predicting these complex high Reynolds number, compressible high energy density (HED) flows requires validated models.
• Current diagnostics lack the capability to measure detailed flow variables essential for model validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel application of imaging x-ray Thomson scattering (IXRTS).
• To provide detailed quantitative data for validating turbulent mixing models in HED experiments.
• To overcome limitations of current diagnostics in measuring flow variables.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Thomson scattering, a technique that interacts with small fluid or plasma scales to measure fundamental flow conditions (density, temperature, average charge state).
• Leveraging the development of imaging x-ray Thomson scattering (IXRTS) for spatial profiling.
• Applying IXRTS in a novel way for mix experiments.

Main Results:

• IXRTS enables obtaining spatial profiles of key flow variables (ρ, T, Zbar).
• The proposed method offers a path towards acquiring much-needed quantitative data.
• This data is essential for constraining and improving turbulent mixing models.

Conclusions:

• The novel use of IXRTS is a significant step towards validating turbulent mixing models.
• This technique promises to provide unprecedented detailed flow data for HED research.
• Addressing data scarcity is crucial for advancing our understanding of complex HED flows.