A criterion for DT gas thermonuclear ignition by a focusing spherical shock wave

摘要

Conditions for thermonuclear ignition of deuterium-tritium (DT) gas by a focusing ideally symmetric shock wave are estimated. The wave is focused to the center and then reflects. In so doing a higher-pressure zone is produced following the front of the shock wave reflected from the center; if the wave is intensive enough, the DT gas thermonuclear ignition can occur in the zone. The ignition criterion can be written as ρ₀r₀u₀²² ≥1, where ρ₀ is initial DT gas density, [ρ₀] = g/cm³, u₀ is mass velocity following the converging shock wave front of radius r₀, [r₀] = cm, [u₀] = 10⁷ cm/sec.