Laser acceleration of thin flyers

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.50702· OSTI ID:565520

Farnsworth, Jr, A V ^[1]

---

1. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0820 (United States)

Laser energy delivered through an optical fiber has been used to accelerate a thin metallic foil to high velocity. Subsequent impact of the foil onto an explosive charge can initiate an explosion. The present computational study addresses the physical processes of laser absorption, energy transport, flyer acceleration, and foil impact on HE or on diagnostic materials in associated experiments. The objective has been to gain understanding that will allow optimizing the system for practical HE initiation. The structure of the foil, especially the presence of a thermally insulating layer near the ablation surface, significantly influences foil effectiveness as an initiator. These simulations show a marked effect on the acceleration process by that layer, which influences both the onset of full laser power absorption, and the physical competence of the foil on arrival at the HE. The effect on laser absorption is especially noteworthy at low laser intensity, where foil launch is marginal. A role of the glass fiber in absorbing laser energy and contributing ablated material is seen in the calculations and confirmed by experiments. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratory
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 565520
• Report Number(s): CONF-950846--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 370; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
ACCELERATION
ALUMINIUM
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
ENERGY ABSORPTION
FOILS
HIGH PRESSURE
IMPACT SHOCK
LASER TARGETS
OPTICAL FIBERS
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
TITANIUM