FLASH Simulations for the Redesign of the OMEGA TDYNO Experimental Platform

Magnetized turbulence is a key process in astrophysical environments, and small-scale turbulent dynamo action is currently our best working hypothesis to account for the cosmic magnetic fields measured in galaxy clusters. Guided by high-fidelity FLASH simulations, the TDYNO (turbulent dynamo) collaboration has conceived, designed, and successfully executed experimental campaigns at the Omega Laser Facility, which demonstrated turbulent dynamo in a terrestrial laboratory for the first time [Tzeferacos et al. Nat. Comm. 9, 591, 2018]. Inspired by our recent experiments at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research [Campbell et al. Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 2022; Moczulski et al. Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 2022], we used two- and three-dimensional simulation campaigns with the FLASH code to craft a novel variant of the TDYNO platform which is (1) simpler to assemble, (2) easier to align, and (3) cheaper to manufacture, whilst maintaining the desired plasma conditions achieved by the original platform. We discuss the platform characteristics in detail and recount the design choices that led us to the final configuration, which will be deployed at the Omega Laser Facility through the Laboratory Basic Science Program.