Magnetic acceleration of aluminum foils for shock wave experiments

Abstract

Scaled experiments studying the interaction of shock waves with inhomogeneous background media are essential for understanding many astrophysical phenomena, since they can be used to test analytical theories and simulation codes. We are currently developing such experiments at the Nevada Terawatt Facility. We are using a pulsed power generator (1 MA peak current) to accelerate thin aluminum flyer plates. By impacting these foils on low-density foam targets, we will be able to carry out scaled experiments. We have demonstrated velocities of up to 8 km/s for 50 μm thick aluminum flyers, and are planning to further increase the flyer velocities. We have also carried out first impact tests with transparent polycarbonate targets. Several improvements for our setup are currently in planning, and these improvements will enable us to design scaled experiments for our facility.