Numerical investigation of perturbation growth in a liquid metal liner slab using a level set-base two-phase solver

The magnetized fusion concept shows promise for achieving fusion energy by compressing a plasma using magnetic or dynamic compression of a liquid metal liner. However, one of the major concerns associated with this approach is the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability that arises at the interface of the liner, which can disrupt the implosion symmetry and introduce plasma contamination. Therefore, understanding the liner interface evolution is crucial.

In this study, we have developed a level set-based two-phase incompressible solver, which has been extended to conducting flows by incorporating the Lorentz force. This solver is then utilized to investigate the temporal evolution of surface ripples on a finite liquid metal liner slab experiencing the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability. By employing the numerical solver, the effect of various factors like liner thickness and magnetic field strength on the perturbation growth rate is analyzed. Additionally, the feedthrough phenomenon, wherein the initially developed perturbations at the inner surface of the liquid liner propagate to the outer surface, is examined. Since the feedthrough effect detrimentally impacts plasma compression performance, a detailed numerical analysis is needed.