Hydrodynamic Experiments on Z
Abstract
We have used z-pinch-driven vacuum hohlraums as a radiation source for hydrodynamic experiments. The z-pinch radiates 1.2 MJ of soft x-rays with a peak power of 170 TW with a 5--6 ns FWHM pulse width producing a peak radiation temperature of 145 eV in a 24-mm diameter, 1.0-mm long cylindrical hohlraum. However, many hydrodynamic studies require a relatively constant pressure for several tens of ns. We have developed a hydrodynamic driver with this characteristic by radiatively heating a short Au tube filled with low-density CH foam. The end wall of the tube, backed by a LiF window, develops a nearly constant interface velocity for about 20 ns through a combination of ablation pressure on the Au surface and foam pressure which is enhanced by the radial blow-in of the tube walls. We will present VISAR data of the Au-LiF interface velocity and simulations of the interface velocity for various diameters and radiation temperatures.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 1999
- Bibcode:
- 1999APS..DPP.CO102C