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Experimental Observations of Laser-Driven Tin Ejecta Microjet Interactions
A M Saunders1, C V Stan1, K K Mackay1
1Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|October 22, 2021
Summary
High-velocity particle streams, or ejecta microjets, were studied using X-ray radiography. At high pressures, these microjets strongly interact, a phenomenon partially matched by simulations.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Astrophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding high-velocity particle-laden flow is crucial for phenomena from planetary formation to cloud dynamics.
- Experimental data on particle dynamics in such flows are limited due to generation challenges.
- Ejecta microjets offer a novel method to study particle streams at kilometers per second.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the interaction dynamics of two high-velocity ejecta microjets.
- To compare experimental observations with radiation-hydrodynamic simulations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized X-ray radiography to capture time sequences of interacting tin ejecta microjets.
- Conducted experiments on a platform designed for the OMEGA Extended Performance (OMEGA EP) laser.
- Employed varying shock pressures (11.7±3.2 GPa and 116.0±6.1 GPa) and measured corresponding jet velocities.
Main Results:
- At 11.7±3.2 GPa and 2.2±0.5 km/s, microjets passed through each other unattenuated.
- At 116.0±6.1 GPa and 6.5±0.5 km/s, microjets exhibited strong interaction dynamics.
- Radiation-hydrodynamic simulations captured jet velocity attenuation but not the full cloud spread.
Conclusions:
- The interaction regime of ejecta microjets is highly dependent on shock pressure and resulting velocity.
- Simulations provide valuable insights but require refinement to fully replicate complex interaction phenomena.
- This study establishes a foundation for further research into high-energy-density physics and astrophysical processes.
