Three dimensional simulations of NIF ViewFactor hohlraums*

The ViewFactor target is a modified version of a National Ignition Facility (NIF) ignition hohlraum that allows extensive x-ray imaging of the hohlraum wall. Thus, data from ViewFactor experiments are uniquely suited for studying the physics of the hohlraum wall/laser beam interaction. This study reports on 3D simulations of NIF ViewFactor experiments using the target design code \textsc{hydra}. Simulated x-ray images show azimuthal variations in the x-ray brightness of the hohlraum wall; however, these variations are larger in magnitude in the data. This is possibly due to the 3D simulations not correctly reproducing the motion of the hohlraum wall in the laser spots. A detailed in-line cross-beam power transfer model that includes the change in laser beam intensity due to transfer is tested and compared with the data.