Hypervelocity Jets

The impact of Hypervelocity Jets at ~100 km/s generates extremely high pressure shocks for investigating astrophysical phenomena and energy efficient x-ray generation for nuclear fusion.

We develop devices for generating Hypervelocity Jets and investigate MIMS (Metastable Innershell Molecular State), the ultra-energetic molecule created by the impact of the jets.

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Explosive-Driven Hypervelocity Jet Generator

Schematic of the demonstrator built in collaboration with the Los Alamos National Lab.

Notes:

PWL = plane wave lens; HE = high explosive PBX-9501; MP = metal piston; CP = cap plate; D = diaphragm; ST = the evacuated shock-tube; PDV = photon Doppler velocimetry probes (2); MI = microwave interferometer.

The confinement was transparent PMMA. The distance between the diaphragm and the left of the cap plate is 190.5 mm.

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Pictures of a 89-km/s Hypervelocity Jet of helium.  If hydrogen was used, the jet velocity would be ~ 110 km/s.

Microwave diagnostic data showing the 89-km/s jet of helium (F).

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Experimental Setup for Investigating MIMS created by C60 impact at velocities of ~100 km/s.

 

K-Shell MIMS Binding Energy Derived from a Wide Range of Experimental Data

K-Shell MIMS Bond Length Derived Theoretically (Red) and from Experimental Data