Two-dimensional hydrodynamic models of laser-produced plasmas

Analytic modelling of laser-produced plasmas has generally been restricted to one-dimensional flow. Multi-dimensional hydrodynamic approximations are available, and are explored in this paper. Two configurations are examined. The explosive mode in which the entire body of material is uniformly heated is treated by the self-similar form, and the aspect ratio of the resulting expansion is determined. Ablative flows can be approximated by the hybrid model, and the self-regulating flow from a solid target can be calculated in this way.