FLASH Simulations of the Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX): A Platform for Fusion and Playground for Laboratory Astrophysics*

The Plasma Liner Experiment (PLX) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a platform that seeks to achieve fusion via a concept known as plasma jet magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF). The experiment consists of three main phases: (1) target formation in which 6-12 plasma guns shoot magnetized DT jets to form a quasi-spherical target, (2) liner formation in which a constellation of 36 guns fire Xe jets to form a liner shell, and (3) target compression in which the formed liner implodes the pre-formed target. Here we highlight some of the 2D and 3D FLASH simulation results of all three phases. Some of the key physical processes involved include shock dynamics, anisotropic thermal conduction, and magnetized jet dynamics; all of which are also relevant to a variety of astrophysical regimes. Thus, we also put forth an opportunity for the PLX platform to someday operate as a rich playground for laboratory astrophysics. Experiments could be performed with single or multiple jets of different materials, velocities, and magnetizations, and the chamber could be filled with a variety of ambient materials and/or solid obstacles. Such experiments would be of value to several astrophysical studies including those of young stellar objects (YSOs) and molecular clouds.