MHD Effects in Laser Heated Gases*

New laser preheating techniques have substantially reduced laser plasma instabilities for MagLIF at SNL. These efforts have led to better agreement with the 3D HYDRA simulation code for stand-alone laser experiments, however they lack the applied magnetic field that is a key feature of MagLIF. In the interim, HYDRA is used, which features a full 3D MHD package including anisotropic thermal conduction, as well as the Nernst/Ettingshausen and Righi-Leduc terms. Results of 2D and 3D calculations are presented at the Z-Beamlet (2-4 kJ) and the NIF (single quad) scale (> 20 kJ). A key signature of magnetization during preheat, is higher electron temperature due to restriction of thermal conduction. With B_z the fuel is magnetized as it is heated, then quickly cools as a blast wave develops, limiting thermal conduction effects.  Both 2D and 3D simulations show the potential for whole beam self-focusing and steering from thermal effects, that could lead to laser induced mix.