Hybrid ablation-expansion model for laser interaction with low-density foams

A sub-grid foam model is developed to describe numerically a sequence of processes transforming solid elements in the foam into a hot plasma under the energy deposition by lasers. We account for three distinct processes: accurate laser energy absorption and scattering on the sub-wavelength cylindrical solid elements, expansion of the foam element due to the energy deposition in its volume, and ablation of the solid element due to the energy deposition on its surface. The foam element dynamics is modeled via a self-similar isothermal expansion combined with a stationary ablation model, and it is described by a set of ordinary differential equations. The microscopic single pore model is incorporated in the macroscopic hydrodynamic codes, and numerical simulations show a good agreement with available experimental data.

Automated summary

A sub-grid foam model is developed to simulate the transformation of solid elements in foam into hot plasma under laser energy deposition. The model considers laser energy absorption and scattering, foam element expansion, and solid element ablation. The dynamics of foam elements are described by a set of ordinary differential equations combining self-similar isothermal expansion and stationary ablation model. The incorporation of microscopic single pore model in macroscopic hydrodynamic codes shows good agreement with experimental data.