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Perturbation evolution started by Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in planar laser targets

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2227272· OSTI ID:20860164
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  1. Science Applications International Corporation, McLean, Virginia 22150 (United States)
The first observations of the interaction of the Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability with reflected shock and rarefaction waves in laser-driven targets are reported. The RM growth is started by a shock wave incident upon a rippled interface between low-density foam and solid plastic. The subsequent interaction of secondary rarefaction and/or shock waves arriving from the ablation front and the rear surface of the target with the RM-unstable interface stops the perturbation growth and reverses its direction. The ensuing exponential Rayleigh-Taylor growth thus can sometimes proceed with an inverted phase.
OSTI ID:
20860164
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 13; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English