High Density High Velocity Plasma Jets Interaction

Summary form only given. High-density, high Mach number plasma jets have many important applications for high energy density physics (HEDP) as well as for astrophysics. Interaction and merging of plasma jets were studied and compared using the LSP code for a wide range of parameters (density 10 ¹² ~10 ¹⁸ cm ^-3 , temperature 1-10 eV, jet velocity 10-1000 km/s, collision angle 30deg-120deg). Different merging regimes were observed. Plasma density and collision angle of the jets are crucial parameters which determine the interaction dynamics. Well focused merged plasma jets were obtained for relatively low densities and velocities of jets. High turbulent plasma flows were observed for higher densities. Higher jet velocity leaded to an asymmetrical twisting flow. The behavior of plasma jets was also compared with interaction of neutral gas jets. The 3D/2D particle LSP code was used for comprehensive analysis of interaction dynamics of the plasma jets.