Highly resolved computer simulations of AM wetted-foam experiments at OMEGA including the foam structur

Recent experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have established that thermonuclear yields > 2 MJ [1] are achievable in the laboratory using the laser indirect drive approach to inertial confinement fusion. This accomplishment has sparked interest in using inertial fusion energy (IFE) for commercial power generation. For IFE applications, however, targets will need to be manufactured quickly and at low cost. Current fabrication of fusion capsules, having a solid DT fuel layer, are costly due to the cumbersome and time-consuming beta-layering process [2]. To address this issue, the solid DT is expected to be replaced by liquid DT wicked into a layer of low-Z 3D printed additive manufactured (AM) foams. An experimental campaign at the Omega Laser Facility using planar targets is underway to understand the behavior of wetted foams subject to multiple shock traversals. 3D rad-hydro simulations including the foam structure have been performed to understand the experimental data, Initial simulations predict shock front velocity variations of 8% and significant penetration of foam material into the clean fuel. Comparisons with experimental data are presented.

1 H. Abu-Shawareb et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 065102 (2024)

2 A. Martin et al. Journal of Vacuum Science Technology A 6, 1885 (1998)