On thermonuclear burn propagation in a pre-compressed cylindrical DT target ignited by a heavy ion beam pulse

Abstract

AbstractThermonuclear ignition and burn propagation in pre-compressed cylindrical deuterium-tritium (DT) targets is studied by two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics simulations using the code MULTI-2D. Special attention is paid to self-sustained steady burn wave propagation. Peak temperatures and burn wave velocity scale with the density-radius product of the fuel, and wave propagation is obtained for (ρR)DT ≥ 0.45 g/cm2. Radiation transport is identified as the dominant mechanism to drive the wave. Details of ignition by a heavy ion beam pulse are also presented. Limitations in the physics basis of the simulations are pointed out. The results are compared with previous publications found in the literature.