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(U) Introducing HEDONIST- A Low Explosive Mass Experiment That Attains Very High Pressures

ORAL

Abstract

The proton radiography facility at LANL offers unique experimental capabilities,
particularly the planned Pu@pRad line. Pu@pRad limitations however preclude the usage
of large quantities of high explosives. We present the hydrocode analysis of a small-scale
system (under 30g TNT equivalent) capable of reaching pressures in excess of 2 Mbar.
This system utilizes a novel multipoint initiation system to establish converging
detonation waves which deliver a strong shock wave onto a sample cell. HEDONIST has
been designed to present a low areal density to the pRad beam thereby providing ample
signal-to-noise ratio to discern shock waves in sample cell materials from other shocks
present. Results from the first two pRad experiments and the comparison to hydrocode
simulations will be discussed.

Presenters

  • Carl Johnson

    Los Alamos National Laboratory

Authors

  • Carl Johnson

    Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • John Gibson

    Los Alamos National Laboratory