Precision-Scale Explosion Experiments Using Laser-Driven Shocks.
Abstract
The Naval Research Laboratory uses shock initiated by a powerful laser pulse to perform precision scale measurements of hydrodynamic phenomena relevant to nuclear and conventional explosions, and to supernovae. A pulse from NRL's 1.3-kJ Pharos III laser is focused onto the surface of a period sized piece of material placed in ambient gas. The laser heats the material to a few hundred eV creating a miniature explosion which launches a shock with multi-kilobar pressures and material flows with Mach number of a few hundred. This method has been used to perform the first measurements on a shock instability in a uniform ambient, the first measurements of shock decursors, and detailed measurements of shock precursors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 13, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA341563
Entities
People
- J. R. Barthel
- Jacob Grün
- James Crawford
- K. Evans
- R. Burris
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory