Modifications to the Tamped Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability Experiment*

Recently, tamped Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability (RMI) experiments have been used in conjunction with synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging to study the high-pressure dynamic strength of materials. While the approach shows great promise, it is limited by the need to have a relatively strong driving force, particularly that due to the density difference as characterized by the Atwood number. Also, the loading path experienced by the driver material involves a shock-release path, meaning that the sample can have significant shock heating, which will influence its deformation behavior. Finally, the X-ray energy available at the Advanced Photon Source limits the materials that can be studied since materials of higher Z than, at best, aluminum are opaque. In this study, we explore through simulations approaches to circumvent these limitations and make RMI-like experiments more useful and flexible.