Implosion of a large spherical void

Abstract

Implosion is the most efficient way to achieve high energy density (HED) or inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Traditional ICF schemes use millimeter size fusion targets, which usually suffer from unsymmetrical driving and easy-to-rise hydrodynamic instabilities. We investigated the physics of the implosion of a thick shell spherical void, with the inside being vacuum or of very low pressure, and the radius being a few centimeters. Very high pressure and temperature will be achieved in a small region, which may lead to the thermal nuclear fusion ignition.