Robert Michael Hueckstaedt

Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability Reshock Experiments Using Laser-Driven Double-Cylinder Implosions

As a shock travels through the interface between substances of different densities, existing perturbations can grow via the Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability. The study of the RM instability in a convergent geometry leads to a better understanding of implosions applicable to inertial confinement fusion and various astrophysical events, such as core-collapse supernovae. We present results of laser-driven double-cylinder implosions performed at the Omega laser facility with an emphasis on sending a second shock through an already shocked RM unstable interface. The uniform reshock of a cylindrical interface is achieved by inserting a second cylinder inside the first that reflects the inwardly traveling shock and causes it to interact a second time with the unstable interface. We present an analysis of the instability growth as a function of shock strength and zero-order perturbation behavior during reshock.