Abstract Details
Magnetic acceleration of aluminum foils for shock wave experiments
Author: Stephan Neff
Requested Type: Oral Only
Submitted: 2009-04-20 19:01:37
Co-authors: S. Wright, D. Martinez, C. Plechaty, R. Presura
Contact Info:
Nevada Terawatt Facility, University of Nevada, Re
5625 Fox Ave
Reno, Nevada 89506
USA
Abstract Text:
Impacting aluminum foils on inhomogeneous low density targets makes it possible to study shock wave dynamics relevant for many astrophysical phenomena. Experiments carried out at the Nevada Terawatt Facility (NTF) have demonstrated the magnetic acceleration of thin aluminum foils to velocities of more than 7 km/s using a 1 MA, 100 ns current pulse. Velocities have been measured using laser shadowgraphy; future measurements will use a VISAR system to achieve more precise measurements and a test of the state of the front of the flyer. Future experiments will also utilize a current multiplier upgrade of the pulsed-power generator Zebra at NTF.
First experiments have imaged shock waves created in transparent polycarbonate targets (sound speed 2.2 km/s) by flyer impact. Future campaigns will study inhomogeneous targets. Furthermore, x-ray backlighting using the short-pulse, high-power laser Leopard is currently implemented at NTF, so that in the future we can switch to low-density foam targets for scaled astrophysical experiments. In summary, the authors are confident that flyer experiments using the Zebra accelerator will enable us to carry out experiments relevant for laboratory astrophysics.
Comments: