Nonlinear Structure of the Diffusing Gas-Metal Interface in a Thermonuclear Plasma

Kim Molvig, Erik L. Vold, Evan S. Dodd, and Scott C. Wilks
Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 145001 – Published 1 October 2014; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 189904 (2014)

Abstract

This Letter describes the theoretical structure of the plasma diffusion layer that develops from an initially sharp gas-metal interface. The layer dynamics under isothermal and isobaric conditions is considered so that only mass diffusion (mixing) processes can occur. The layer develops a distinctive structure with asymmetric and highly nonlinear features. On the gas side of the layer the diffusion coefficient goes nearly to zero, causing a sharp “front,” or well defined boundary between mix layer and clean gas with similarities to the Marshak thermal waves. Similarity solutions for the nonlinear profiles are found and verified with full ion kinetic code simulations. A criterion for plasma diffusion to significantly affect burn is given.

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  • Received 28 May 2014
  • Corrected 21 October 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.145001

© 2014 American Physical Society

Corrections

21 October 2014

Erratum

Authors & Affiliations

Kim Molvig1,2, Erik L. Vold1, Evan S. Dodd1, and Scott C. Wilks3

  • 1Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
  • 2Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
  • 3Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, 94550, USA

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Issue

Vol. 113, Iss. 14 — 3 October 2014

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