Poster First Light Fusion is researching ICF with novel target designs utilising strong shocks driven by hyper-velocity projectiles and EM launch systems. Target designs are being developed using our front tracking hydrodynamics code Hytrac.
Phase of shock compressed solids releasing into gas is of particular interest. A solid subject to a strong shock can melt, partially or fully, either on compression or release from the shocked state. The phase of released material depends on a number of factors (shock speed, ambient density, etc.) and can be in a mixed state. Fragmentation can also occur (spallation).
In the case of a shock propagating through a solid-gas interface, i.e. pusher compression of a D2 fill, the state of the releasing solid and its evolution will govern the implosion dynamics of the fuel.
Experiments will provide integrated test of hydrocode and equation-of-state models.
