Use of shock wavefront curvature to modulate RMI jet growth

In impact experiments, we modulate the shock wavefront curvature in PMMA/Ta composite samples prior to surface breakout at a V-groove in the PMMA. Upon breakout, a Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) jet is launched from the V-groove, which we observe using time-resolved x-ray imaging at the Dynamic Compression Sector. Transverse imaging of these samples enables the characterization of both the shock wavefront curvature internal to the sample prior to breakout, as well as the progress of the jet subsequent to breakout. We observe a clear correlation between the wavefront curvature and the jet velocity, suggesting that graded density materials may be used to mitigate or enhance the strength of the RMI. We present these data and compare to simulations.