Publications Details

Three-dimensional simulations of magneto-inertial Magnetic-Direct-Drive targets

Weis, Matthew R.; Jennings, Christopher A.; Harvey-Thompson, Adam J.; Yager-Elorriaga, David A.; Fein, Jeffrey R.; Gomez, Matthew R.; Hansen, Stephanie B.; Ruiz, Daniel E.; Slutz, Stephen A.; Shulenburger, Luke N.; Ampleford, David J.

For the cylindrically symmetric targets that are normally fielded on the Z machine, two dimensional axisymmetric MHD simulations provide the backbone of our target design capability. These simulations capture the essential operation of the target and allow for a wide range of physics to be addressed at a substantially lower computational cost than 3D simulations. This approach, however, makes some approximations that may impact its ability to accurately provide insight into target operation. As an example, in 2D simulations, targets are able to stagnate directly to the axis in a way that is not entirely physical, leading to uncertainty in the impact of the dynamical instabilities that are an important source of degradation for ICF concepts. In this report, we have performed a series of 3D calculations in order to assess the importance of this higher fidelity treatment on MagLIF target performance.