Symmetric and asymmetric shocked gas jets for laser-plasma experiments

L. Rovige (Corresponding author), J. Huijts, A. Vernier, I. Andriyash, F. Sylla, V. Tomkus, V. Girdauskas, G. Raciukaitis, J. Dudutis, V. Stankevic, P. Gecys, J. Faure

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Shocks in supersonic flows offer both high density and sharp density gradients that are used, for instance, for gradient injection in laser-plasma accelerators. We report on a parametric study of oblique shocks created by inserting a straight axisymmetric section at the end of a supersonic "de Laval"nozzle. The effect of different parameters, such as the throat diameter and straight section length on the shock position and density, is studied through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Experimental characterizations of a shocked nozzle are compared to CFD simulations and found to be in good agreement. We then introduce a newly designed asymmetric shocked gas jet, where the straight section is only present on one lateral side of the nozzle, thus providing a gas profile well adapted for density transition injection. In this case, full-3D fluid simulations and experimental measurements are compared and show excellent agreement.

Original languageEnglish
Article number083302
Number of pages7
JournalReview of Scientific Instruments
Volume92
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2021
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
European Union's Horizon 2020 - Research and Innovation Framework Programme654148, 101004730

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