arXiv subjects

J. L. Belof

Publications and source records attributed to J. L. Belof.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Passive freeze-out of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability

The Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) poses a major challenge in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) due to its role in mixing and performance degradation. We report the first experimental observation of passive freeze-out of RMI in a low-pressure surrogate regime; an instability stagnation effect induced without modifying the driving pressure pulse or the target surface geometry. Using additively manufactured sub-surface voids in a sinusoidal target, we convert a single shock into a sequence of weaker shocks that suppress instability growth upstream of the surface by over 70%. High-speed X-ray imaging and hydrodynamic simulations suggest that this suppression arises primarily from temporal shaping, with lesser contributions from spatial curvature and shock weakening. Our results demonstrate a driver-independent pathway for controlling shock-driven hydrodynamic instabilities relevant to ICF and other high energy density systems.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

Machine Learning Visualization Tool for Exploring Parameterized Hydrodynamics

We are interested in the computational study of shock hydrodynamics, i.e. problems involving compressible solids, liquids, and gases that undergo large deformation. These problems are dynamic and nonlinear and can exhibit complex instabilities. Due to advances in high performance computing it is possible to parameterize a hydrodynamic problem and perform a computational study yielding $\mathcal{O}\left({\rm TB}\right)$ of simulation state data. We present an interactive machine learning tool that can be used to compress, browse, and interpolate these large simulation datasets. This tool allows computational scientists and researchers to quickly visualize "what-if" situations, perform sensitivity analyses, and optimize complex hydrodynamic experiments.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2023

Suppression of Richtmyer-Meshkov instability via special pairs of shocks and phase transitions

The classical Richtmyer-Meshkov instability is a hydrodynamic instability characterizing the evolution of an interface following shock loading. In contrast to other hydrodynamic instabilities such as Rayleigh-Taylor, it is known for being unconditionally unstable: regardless of the direction of shock passage, any deviations from a flat interface will be amplified. In this article, we show that for negative Atwood numbers, there exist special sequences of shocks which result in a nearly perfectly suppressed instability growth. We demonstrate this principle computationally and experimentally with stepped fliers and phase transition materials. A fascinating immediate corollary is that in specific instances a phase transitioning material may self-suppress RMI.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2021

Apparatus for Measuring Strength in Biaxial Compression

Most measurements of compressive strength of ductile materials have involved Hopkinson-Kolsky bars or Taylor anvils placing samples in uniaxial compression. In these geometries strain is limited by the tendency of the sample to petal, in analogy to necking in uniaxial tension. Estimation of strength for any other form of the stress tensor requires assuming a shape for the yield surface; because data exist only for uniaxial compression these assumptions are untested. In an imploding spherical shell compression is biaxial, the plastic strain may not be small and the material behavior may be nonlinear as a result of work hardening and heating by plastic work. We propose to measure the strengths of materials in biaxial compression,both quasistatically and dynamically, using the compression of thin spherical shells. We suggest surrounding the shell with an annulus filled with a mixture of H$_2$ and Cl$_2$ gases whose volumetric detonation is initiated by a flash of blue and near-ultraviolet light. Less promising approaches are described in appendices.

physics.ins-det↗