Attainability of high velocities for impact ignition

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method combining ablation acceleration and magnetic insulation to achieve flyer plate velocities exceeding 1000 km/sec for impact ignition.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach using isentropic compression and Nernst effect magnetic insulation to significantly increase flyer plate velocities.

Findings

Potential to reach velocities over 1000 km/sec

Effective reduction of friction losses in acceleration process

Enhanced impact ignition feasibility

Abstract

To reach the flyer plate velocities in excess of 1000km/sec required for impact ignition, it is proposed to combine the ablation acceleration of a dense hydrogen jet by its isentropic compression in a convergent Prandtl-Meyer flow, magnetically insulated by the Nernst effect against the wall confining the flow to reduce friction losses. A flyer plate placed at the front of the flow can there be accelerated to much higher velocities.