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Nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor Evolution of a Three-Dimensional Multimode Perturbation

Journal Article · · Physical Review Letters
; ; ; ; ; ; ;  [1]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551 (United States)
The ablation front Rayleigh-Taylor evolution of a well-characterized 3D multimode surface perturbation was measured on a foil accelerated with an x-ray drive as it progressed into the weakly nonlinear regime. The perturbation pattern was locally random and consisted of modes within the first ten harmonics of a 300 {mu}m square. The pattern evolved into bubbles separated by narrow, interconnecting spike sheets, unambiguously indicating entry into the nonlinear regime. Nonlinear effects occurred when mode amplitudes were relatively small: {eta}{sub n}{lt}{lambda}{sub n}/10 . Experimental results are in quantitative agreement with results of our numerical simulations. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
604438
Journal Information:
Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 20 Vol. 80; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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