Experimental investigation of the three-dimensional interaction of a strong shock with a spherical density inhomogeneity.
Laser-driven experiments are described which probe the interaction of a very strong shock with a spherical density inhomogeneity. The interaction is viewed from two orthogonal directions enabling visualization of both the initial distortion of the sphere into a double vortex ring structure as well as the onset of an azimuthal instability that ultimately results in the three-dimensional breakup of the ring. The experimental results are compared with 3D numerical simulations and are shown to be in remarkable agreement with the incompressible theory of Widnall et al. [J. Fluid Mech. 66, 35 (1974)].
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
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Robey
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Perry
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Klein
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Greenough
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Boehly