Modeling the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability in High-Energy-Density Experiments Using CRASH Code

The Center for Radiative Shock Hydrodynamics (CRASH) at the University of Michigan is developing an AMR radiation-hydrodynamics code, which can model laser-driven experiments. One such experimental campaign on the OMEGA Laser at LLE is designed to replicate and diagnose the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in a high-energy-density system. Experimental results have been reported using a design with CRF foam layered on top of polyamide-imide plastic, which have a sinusoidal perturbation at their interface and are encased in beryllium [1]. CRASH simulations have modeled this experiment to validate the code in this regime, as well as to aid in the design of future Kelvin-Helmholtz experiments. We present the results of a series of CRASH simulations of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. \\[4pt] [1] E. C. Harding, et al, Phys Rev Lett, 2009