Deciphering the Kinetic Structure of Multi-Ion Plasma Shocks

TL;DR

This paper investigates the detailed structure of multi-ion plasma shocks in high-energy-density environments using advanced simulations, clarifying how shock features depend on parameters like Mach number and ion composition.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of plasma shock structures with high-fidelity simulations, resolving existing controversies and enhancing understanding of shock dynamics in multi-ion plasmas.

Findings

Shock structure depends on Mach number and ion composition.

High-fidelity Vlasov-Fokker-Planck simulations reveal detailed kinetic features.

Resolution of previous controversies in plasma shock literature.

Abstract

Strong collisional shocks in multi-ion plasmas are featured in many high-energy-density environments, including Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) implosions. However, their basic structure and its dependence on key parameters (e.g., the Mach number and the plasma ion composition) are poorly understood, and controversies in that regard remain in the literature. Using a high-fidelity Vlasov-Fokker-Planck code, iFP, and direct comparisons to multi-ion hydrodynamic simulations and semi-analytic predictions, we critically examine steady-state planar shocks in D-3He plasmas and put forward a resolution to these controversies.