Fabrication of High Energy Density Physics Loads

The Los Alamos High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) program requires a variety of loads for solid liner driven experiments. The Polymers and Coatings Group of the Los Alamos Materials Science Division fabricate most of the HEDP experimental loads and their associated liners. This paper describes some of the design and fabrication methods used to construct complex composite loads. The types of loads that are described utilize variations of an acrylic container with adhesive bonded joints to contain combinations of liquid Gallium, polymer foams, machined metal structures, and various gases at pressures to 5 atm.