Laser Fusion and Turbulent Mixing
PIs: James Glimm and Yongmin Zhang
Nuclear burning in a laser fusion reactor is degraded by the mixing of materials during the laser compression process. We are developing novel theories and advanced simulation methods leading to a systematic understanding of turbulent mixing. A primary focus is the comparison of simulation models (both Direct Numerical Simulation and subgrid averaged models) to laboratory experiments. We have obtained excellent agreement of simulation with experiments.
As a second focus, we are developing physics based subgrid simulation models of diffusion across a laminar or turbulent interface, with physical but no numerical mass diffusion. (DOE)