ARES Simulations of a Double Shell Surrogate Target

Double shell targets provide an alternative path to ignition that allows for a less robust laser profile and non-cryogenic initial temperatures [1,2,3]. The target designs call for a high-Z material to abut the gas/liquid DT fuel which is cause for concern due to possible mix of the inner shell with the fuel. This research concentrates on developing a surrogate target for a double shell capsule that can be fielded in a current NIF two-shock hohlraum [4]. Through pressure-density scaling the hydrodynamic behavior of the high-Z pusher of a double shell can be approximated allowing for studies of performance and mix. Use of the ARES [5] code allows for investigation of mix in one and two dimensions and analysis of instabilities in two dimensions. Development of a shell material that will allow for experiments similar to CD Mix is also discussed [6,7]. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract DE-AC52-07NA27344, Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC. Information Management release number LLNL-ABS-675098. \\[4pt] [1] P.A. Amendt, J.D. Colvin \textit{et al.,} Phys. Plasmas \textbf{9}, 2221 (2002)\\[0pt] [2] P.A. Amendt, H.F. Robey \textit{et al.,} Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{94}, 065004 (2005)\\[0pt] [3] H.F. Robey, P.A. Amendt \textit{et al.,} Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{103}, 145003 (2009).\\[0pt] [4] Discussions with S.A. MacLaren\\[0pt] [5] R.M. Darlington, Ph.D. Thesis U.C. Davis, UCRL-LR-136160\\[0pt] [6] D.T. Casey, V.A. Smalyuk \textit{et al.}, Phys. Plasmas \textbf{21}, 092705 (2014).\\[0pt] [7] Discussions with A. Nikroo and M. Hope of General Atomics.