Astrophysicists have found that energy flows that cause heating reduce the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. This reduces deviations from equilibrium values in the system and increases the efficiency of nuclear fusion reactions.
In a supernova explosion, the material of the star is scattered in different directions. In this case, the shock wave forms a supernova remnant from interstellar matter and stellar material. The Rayleigh-Taylor instability plays an important role in this process. The effect implies an increase in small deviations from equilibrium indicators in a system that is in a gravitational field or moves with acceleration.
Previously, the influence of heat fluxes on the Rayleigh-Taylor effect was never taken into account. But scientists from the University of Michigan found that increasing temperature reduces mixing at the interface between the two phases and reduces instability. “The Rayleigh-Taylor instability has been studied for over 100 years. But the effects of high-energy flows and the mechanisms that cause heating have never been studied,”says Caroline Kurantz, director of the Center for Laser Experimental Astrophysical Research at the University of Michigan.
The data that scientists obtained in the process of laboratory modeling formed the basis of an article published in Nature. Scientists believe that their observations will help develop a "roadmap" to improve the efficiency of thermonuclear fusion. “Now all our nuclear power plants operate on fission reactions. But fusing atoms is generally more efficient and produces less nuclear waste. In addition, instead of uranium and plutonium, lighter elements such as hydrogen isotopes can be used to carry out fusion reactions, so we have an almost unlimited source of fuel on Earth,”says Caroline Kurantz.