Component for compressing substance

Abstract

A component (1) for compressing a substance using an input shock wave. The component comprises a body (2) having a recess wall (6) defining a recess (4), an input end (10) for inputting an input shock wave into the component, and a focusing element (9) located within the recess (4). The focusing element (9) defines a volume (12) configured to contain a substance to be compressed. The recess wall is configured to reflect an input shock wave toward the focusing element. The focusing element is configured to focus the reflected shock wave onto the volume.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a component for compressing a substance using an input shock wave, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for compressing a substance by manipulating an input shock wave to generate a high-pressure quasi-spherical shock wave incident on the substance to be compressed, thereby producing a high local energy concentration.

[0002] As demonstrated in WO 2011 / 138622, the interaction between a shock wave in a non-gaseous medium and a gaseous medium can generate a high-speed transverse jet of non-gaseous medium moving through the gaseous medium. This causes the jet to impact and capture a certain volume of gaseous medium, thus generating a strong energy concentration within the gas.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an alternative technology for generating local energy concentration.

[0004] From a first perspective, the present invention provides a component for compressing a material using an input shock wave, the component comprising: A body including a recess wall defining a recess; The input terminal used to input the shock wave into the component; and A focusing element located within a recess; The focusing element defines a volume that is configured to hold the material to be compressed. The recessed wall is configured to reflect the input shock wave toward the focusing element; and The focusing element is configured to focus the reflected shock wave onto the volume.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a component that, when a shock wave is input into the component, manipulates the input shock wave (e.g., focuses the input shock wave) so that it is incident on a target volume within the component, thereby causing a local energy concentration at the target volume. The component includes a body that includes recesses that reflect portions of the input shock wave toward a focusing element defining the target volume.

[0006] In use, the input shock wave is reflected from the recess (e.g., the wall of the recess) toward the focusing element and then propagates through the focusing element to the target volume. The focusing element (e.g., the shape and / or material of the focusing element) is designed to manipulate the shock wave as it passes through the focusing portion toward the target volume (e.g., to focus the shock wave, such as by modifying the shape and / or intensity of the shock wave).

[0007] The body can be provided in any suitable and desirable manner. In some embodiments, the body includes a first material (e.g., formed of the first material, or constructed of the first material). Preferably, the body is a monolithic body formed, for example, of the first material. Thus, preferably, the body is formed as a single part.

[0008] The first material can include any suitable and desired material in which the recess can be formed. Preferably, the first material is a solid. Preferably, the first material includes a high impact resistance material (e.g., formed of a high impact resistance material, or composed of a high impact resistance material). Preferably, the first material includes a metal (e.g., formed of a metal, or composed of a metal), such as a refractory metal, such as tantalum. The first material can include tungsten, steel, copper, or other (e.g., heavy) metals (e.g., formed of tungsten, steel, copper, or other (e.g., heavy) metals, such as tungsten, steel, copper, or other (e.g., heavy) metals). Such materials are resistant to high temperatures and pressures, and have high impact resistance and hardness.

[0009] The body includes (shaped to define) recesses, for example, in the surface of the body.

[0010] The recess can have any suitable and desired shape. In some embodiments, the recess wall includes a curved portion. In some embodiments, the recess is concave. For example, the recess may have an opening in the outer surface of the body (e.g., near the input end of the component) that has a larger dimension than the base of the recess (e.g., wider than the base of the recess).

[0011] In some embodiments, the recess (e.g., the wall defining the recess) is bowl-shaped, such as substantially hemispherical. This can help to spherically focus the input shock wave toward the focusing element and the target volume.

[0012] In some embodiments, the recess includes (e.g., is filled with) a second material (e.g., a recess-filling material) (e.g., the second material surrounds the focusing element). The second material is different from the body (the first material of the body). Preferably, the impact resistance of the second material is lower than that of the first material. In such embodiments, the second material is non-gaseous, e.g., non-fluid, e.g., solid.

[0013] Filling the recess with material helps to support and position the focusing element within it. This may mean that there is no need to provide a separate support structure for the focusing element, which could interfere with the dynamics of the shock wave as it propagates through the component.

[0014] Filling the recess with a (second) material whose impact impedance is lower than that of the (first) material helps to control the manipulation (e.g., focusing) of the shock wave as it propagates through the component, particularly the reflection of the shock wave from the wall of the recess, which can be enhanced by the difference in impact impedance between the first and second materials.

[0015] The recess can be filled with any suitable and desired material. In some embodiments, the recess is filled with a polymer (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)), epoxy resin, or low-density foam.

[0016] The input terminal of the component can be provided in any suitable and desirable manner to input a shock wave into the component. For example, the nature of the input terminal can depend on how the shock wave is generated.

[0017] In some embodiments, the input end of the component is provided by the outer surface of the body and / or the outer surface of the recess (e.g., the second material in the recess). Therefore, the body and / or the recess (e.g., the second material in the recess) may include (e.g., formed together) an input surface or (e.g., an outer) layer (e.g., an input layer having an input surface). The outer surface of the body and the outer surface of the second material in the recess may be coplanar.

[0018] Preferably, the input surface or layer extends in one or more directions around (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the central (longitudinal) axis of the component (e.g., the body of the component). One or more (e.g., all) of the input surface, body, recess, focusing element, and component may be symmetrical about the central axis (e.g., rotationally).

[0019] In use, the input end (e.g., the input surface or layer of the input end) can be arranged, for example, to be struck by a projectile, which is directed, for example, along a central axis, to be incident on the input end (surface or layer). Therefore, in some embodiments, the input shock wave can be generated in the component, for example, by being struck or impacted (e.g., by a projectile) by the input end (e.g., the body and / or recessed material) (e.g., the input surface or layer of the input end). In some embodiments, the input shock wave can be generated outside the component and, for example, received by the input end of the component (e.g., incident on the volumetric input end).

[0020] In some embodiments, the input end (e.g., the input surface or layer of the input end) includes a concave portion (when the input end is viewed from the outside). In embodiments, the input surface or layer is (e.g., the entire) concave and, for example, continuously curved. Such embodiments can be used with projectiles (e.g., having a substantially flat impact surface) arranged to impact a component (e.g., the input end of the component) to generate a shock wave with a curved impact front in the component (e.g., the body and / or recess of the component).

[0021] In some embodiments, the input end (e.g., the input surface or layer of the input end) includes a convex portion. In embodiments, the entire input surface or layer is convex. Such embodiments can be configured to work with a projectile impacting a component (e.g., the input end of the component) to generate a shock wave. A convex input surface may not help to bend the shock wave, but it may be less sensitive to projectile tilt (e.g., the projectile is not perfectly aligned with the input surface), and therefore may be better than a concave surface in systems where the angle of the projectile at the input end is less predictable.

[0022] In some embodiments, the input end (e.g., the input surface or layer of the input end) includes a flat portion. In embodiments, the entire input surface or layer is flat. Such embodiments can be used with projectiles having curved (e.g., concave) impact surfaces, which are arranged to impact a component (e.g., the input end of the component) to generate a shock wave with a curved impact front in the component (e.g., the body and / or recess of the component).

[0023] In one embodiment, the input end (e.g., the input surface or layer of the input end) has a convex surface. Such embodiments can be configured for use with a projectile having a corresponding concave impact surface, the projectile being arranged to impact a component (e.g., the input end of the component) such that when the projectile impacts the component, the impact surface of the projectile is aligned with the input surface (e.g., the impact surface is complementary to the input surface). Such embodiments can help increase energy coupling from the projectile to the component.

[0024] Although some examples have been described in this paper, all possible combinations of convex / concave shapes for the input surface and the projectile impact surface can be envisioned.

[0025] In some embodiments, the component includes at least one impedance matching layer adjacent to or at the input terminal of the focusing portion. In some embodiments, the input terminal (e.g., a layer) of the focusing portion includes an impedance matching layer.

[0026] Setting up an impedance matching layer (e.g., matching the impedance of the incident projectile) can help couple the incident shock wave into a component (e.g., the focusing portion of the component). Therefore, as outlined above regarding the input of the focusing portion, the impedance matching layer can be arranged to be struck by the projectile to generate the input shock wave.

[0027] Therefore, in some embodiments, the input end of the focusing portion is provided by an impedance matching layer (e.g., the outer surface of the impedance matching layer) (e.g., together with the outer surface of the body). In some embodiments, the impedance matching layer (e.g., between the walls of the body (e.g., forming a recess) extends across the focusing portion (e.g., the input end of the focusing portion). Therefore, the body and / or the impedance matching layer may include (e.g., formed together) an input surface. The outer surface of the body and the outer surface of the impedance matching layer may be coplanar.

[0028] The focusing element can be arranged within the recess in any suitable and desirable manner. When the recess contains (e.g., is filled with) a second material, preferably, the focusing element is contained within (e.g., surrounded by) the second material. Preferably, the second material and the focusing element are adjacent (e.g., over most or substantially all of the surface area of ​​the focusing element), such that there is substantially no gap between the second material and the focusing element. Embedding the focusing element in the second material can help the shock wave travel from the second material to the target element.

[0029] In some embodiments, the focusing element (e.g., the base of the focusing element) is spaced apart from the surface (e.g., the wall (e.g., the base)) defining the recess, such that some volume of the recess (e.g., a second material) is located between the focusing element and the recess. In some embodiments, the focusing element (e.g., the base of the focusing element) contacts the recess (e.g., the wall (e.g., the base) of the recess), such that there is no recess (e.g., no second material) between the focusing element and the recess.

[0030] In some embodiments, the component includes an impedance matching element (e.g., a shaped element) between a focusing element (e.g., the base of the focusing element) and a surface defining a recess (e.g., a wall (e.g., the base)). This can help suppress the formation of a high-pressure jet and thus help concentrate the energy of the manipulated shock wave toward a target volume.

[0031] In some embodiments, the recess includes a pit away from the component input end, for example, on the side of the focusing element opposite to the input end. This can help suppress the formation of high-pressure jets and thus help concentrate the energy of the manipulated shock wave toward the target volume.

[0032] In some embodiments, the focusing element has a varying (e.g., continuously or discretely (gradually) varying) impact impedance throughout the focusing element. This can help couple the shock wave toward the target volume into the focusing element.

[0033] In some embodiments, the impact resistance of the focusing element near the outer surface of the focusing element is lower than the impact resistance of the focusing element near the target volume.

[0034] In some embodiments, the focusing element comprises a plurality of housings. Two or more of the housings may have different impact resistances from each other.

[0035] The focusing element may include any suitable and desired number of shells. In some embodiments, the focusing element comprises between one and thirty layers, such as between three and ten layers.

[0036] It is possible that the impact impedance of the two or more shells gradually decreases from the outer surface of the focusing element toward the volume; however, in some embodiments, the impact impedance of the two or more shells gradually increases from the outer surface of the focusing element toward the volume. The focusing element can be configured as an impedance matching element. This helps to couple the input shock wave from the recess into the target volume through the focusing element. Furthermore, by gradually increasing the impact impedance along each shell, energy coupling between the shells can be improved, because no two adjacent shells need to have a large impact impedance difference (which could cause shock wave reflection and thus energy loss).

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of shells includes one or more first shells formed of (including or constituted by) a third material having a third impact resistance, and one or more second shells formed of (including or constituted by) a fourth material having an impact resistance lower than that of the third material.

[0038] Providing a shell with different impact impedances can allow shock waves to be reflected (at least partially) from the boundaries between layers (e.g., at the boundary between a fourth material and a third material). This can help to superimpose components of the propagating shock wave within a focusing element, for example, to amplify the intensity of the shock wave incident on the target volume.

[0039] In some embodiments, the plurality of shells includes a plurality of first shells and / or a plurality of second shells.

[0040] The first and second shells can be arranged in the focusing element in any suitable and desirable manner. In some embodiments, one or more first shells and one or more second shells are arranged to alternate between the first and second shells (e.g., repeatedly when multiple first and / or second shells are present). Thus, preferably, each of the first shells (one or more) is adjacent to two second shells (between the two second shells) and / or each of the second shells (one or more) is adjacent to two first shells (between the two first shells).

[0041] In this embodiment, the focusing element is integrally formed and has an impact impedance that gradually changes from the outer surface of the focusing element toward the volume. This can help to couple shock waves through the focusing element, since reflections between the boundaries of the discrete shell can be eliminated.

[0042] The focusing element can include any suitable and desired shape. The focusing element may, for example, have a circular cross-section in a plane parallel to (e.g., containing) the central axis of the component and / or in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the component. The focusing element may be spherical.

[0043] In some embodiments, the focusing element has an elliptical cross-section, for example, in a plane parallel to (e.g., including) the central axis of the component. Preferably, the focusing element is rotationally symmetric about the central axis of the component.

[0044] Therefore, in some embodiments, the focusing element is substantially oval (egg-shaped). An oval focusing element can help to further manipulate the shock wave as it propagates toward the target volume into the focusing element (e.g., focus the shock wave).

[0045] Preferably, one end of the oval focusing element is more tapered, while the other end is more rounded. Preferably, the focusing element has a maximum dimension (e.g., the longest dimension (major axis) of the oval body) that is parallel to (e.g., coaxial) the central axis of the component. Preferably, the more tapered end of the oval body is located near the input end of the component. Preferably, the more rounded end of the oval body is located near the base of the recess.

[0046] In one embodiment, the central axis of the focusing element is coaxial with the central axis of the recess.

[0047] In an embodiment, the substance to be compressed includes fuel (e.g., fusion-capable fuels such as hydrogen, deuterium, and / or tritium) such that the target volume is a fuel volume, and the component is a component for compressing the fuel. When the fuel is present in the volume and the input shock wave is manipulated by a focusing element to create a local energy concentration at the volume, this can cause the fuel in the volume to collapse, thereby generating high pressure and high temperature within the fuel, for example, sufficient to trigger fusion.

[0048] In embodiments, the substance to be compressed may include a fuel-containing material. It will be understood that the term "fuel-containing material" refers to a material that is not only fuel. More precisely, a fuel-containing material includes a material that is not fuel (e.g., a bulk or lattice material) in which fuel is contained (e.g., as part of a mixture or compound). In embodiments, the fuel-containing material includes fuel that is (e.g., uniformly) dispersed throughout the material. In embodiments, the fuel-containing material includes non-localized fuel.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material is a compound, for example, wherein the fuel is bonded to the compound by ionic or covalent bonds. Therefore, in some embodiments, the fuel-containing material includes hydrides such as water, lithium hydride, aluminum hydride, or ammonia. In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material includes deuterides such as water deuterated, lithium deuteride, aluminum deuteride, or ammonia deuteride. In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material includes tritides such as water tritide, lithium tritide, aluminum tritide, or ammonia tritide.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material includes hydrocarbons (e.g., deuterated or tritized hydrocarbons). It will be understood that in (e.g., deuterated or tritized) hydrocarbons (or other compounds containing hydrogen, deuterium, or tritium), the fuel is provided by hydrogen, deuterium, or tritium atoms or ions in the compound, and the remaining atoms or ions are bulk material.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material is a fuel-doped material, such as a material in which fuel (e.g., fuel atoms or ions) replace atoms or ions in, for example, the material itself (e.g., in a crystal lattice). In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material includes fuel-doped metals, such as hydrogen-doped palladium, hydrogen-doped aluminum, hydrogen-doped lithium, deuterium-doped palladium, deuterium-doped aluminum, deuterium-doped lithium, tritium-doped palladium, tritium-doped aluminum, or tritium-doped lithium.

[0052] It will be understood that in fuel-doped materials, the fuel is provided by a dopant (e.g., hydrogen, deuterium, or tritium atoms or ions inserted into the material), and the remaining atoms or ions are bulk (or lattice) materials.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material is a mixture containing fuel, for example, the fuel may be located in the gaps in the material (e.g., block or lattice), such that the fuel-containing mixture is a mixture of the material (e.g., block or lattice) and the fuel.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material comprises a non-gaseous material, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material comprises a non-fluid material such that it substantially retains its own shape (under normal temperature and pressure). In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material comprises a semi-solid (e.g., gel or foam) fuel-containing material. In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material comprises a solid fuel-containing material. In some embodiments, the fuel-containing material comprises a fuel-containing metal, such as fuel-containing palladium, aluminum, or lithium.

[0055] The fuel may include any suitable and desired fuel. In some embodiments, the fuel includes fusion-capable fuels such as hydrogen, deuterium, and / or tritium. Thus, in some embodiments, the component is configured to manipulate the input shock wave to provide a localized energy concentration within the target element suitable for initiating fusion, for example, to generate a localized energy concentration with sufficiently high temperature and / or pressure.

[0056] The present invention also provides a method for compressing a substance using an input shock wave, and thus, from another aspect, the present invention provides a method for compressing a substance using an input shock wave, the method comprising generating an input shock wave at an input end of a component according to any of the aspects or embodiments described herein.

[0057] It should be understood that this aspect may (preferably) include one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, for example, in relation to other aspects and embodiments of the invention, where applicable.

[0058] For example, the method may include generating an input shock wave in the component, for example, by colliding or impacting the input end (input surface of the input end of the component) of the component. In some embodiments, the input shock wave may be generated outside the component and received, for example, by the input end of the component (e.g., incident on the input end of a volume). Therefore, the method may include generating an external shock wave and incident the shock wave onto the input end of the component (e.g., directing the shock wave toward the input end of a focusing portion).

[0059] Preferably, the shock wave is arranged to (allow) (at least initially) propagate along a direction parallel to the central (longitudinal) axis of the component. Therefore, preferably, the shock wave is arranged to be incident on or generated at the input end of the component in a plane perpendicular to the central (longitudinal) axis of the component (e.g., parallel to the plane of the input end of the component).

[0060] In the embodiments, the substance to be compressed includes fuel (e.g., fusion-promoted fuel (e.g., hydrogen, deuterium, and / or tritium)) or fuel-containing materials, such that the method is a method of compressing fuel or fuel-containing materials.

[0061] The present invention also provides a system for compressing a substance using an input shock wave, and therefore, from another aspect, the present invention provides a system for compressing a substance using an input shock wave, the system comprising: Components according to any one of the aspects or embodiments described herein; and A mechanism for generating an input shock wave at the input end of a component.

[0062] It should be understood that this aspect may (preferably) include one or more (e.g., all) of the preferred and optional features disclosed herein, for example, in relation to other aspects and embodiments of the invention, where applicable.

[0063] In an embodiment, the substance to be compressed includes fuel (e.g., fusion fuel (e.g., hydrogen, deuterium, and / or tritium)) or fuel-containing material, such that the system is a system for compressing fuel or fuel-containing material.

[0064] In some embodiments, the mechanism includes: A drive mechanism configured to drive a projectile into a component to generate a shock wave at the input end of the component (e.g., the input surface of the input end of the component).

[0065] The projectile preferably includes an impact surface arranged to impact a component (e.g., the input end of a component).

[0066] In some embodiments, the impact surface of the projectile includes a substantially flat (e.g., planar) portion. Such projectiles can be used with components having an input surface including a concave portion. This can facilitate the generation of an input shock wave with a curved impact front in the component.

[0067] In some embodiments, the impact surface of the projectile includes a curved (e.g., concave) portion. Such projectiles can be used with components having an input surface that includes a substantially flat portion. This can facilitate the generation of an input shock wave with a curved impact front in the component.

[0068] The projectile may comprise any suitable and desired material. In some embodiments, the projectile's impact resistance is greater than the impact resistance of the second material (in the recess). In some embodiments, the projectile's impact resistance is substantially equal to the impact resistance of the body and / or the impedance matching layer. In some embodiments, the projectile's impact resistance is substantially equal to the impact resistance of the second material (in the recess). In such embodiments, the projectile may comprise a second material (e.g., formed of a second material, such as constituted by a second material).

[0069] Preferably, the projectile comprises a solid (e.g., formed of a solid, or composed of a solid). Preferably, the projectile comprises a high impact resistance material (e.g., formed of a high impact resistance material, or composed of a high impact resistance material). In embodiments, the projectile comprises a metal (e.g., formed of a metal, or composed of a metal), such as a refractory metal, such as tantalum. The projectile may include tungsten, steel, copper, or other (e.g., heavy) metals (e.g., formed of tungsten, steel, copper, or other (e.g., heavy) metals). Therefore, the projectile may be formed of the same material as the body and / or impedance matching layer of the component.

[0070] In embodiments, the projectile includes a low impact resistance material (e.g., formed of a low impact resistance material, or composed of a low impact resistance material), such as a low-density metal (e.g., aluminum) or a low-density material (e.g., PMMA).

[0071] In some embodiments, the mechanism for generating the shock wave includes an explosion-driven mechanism configured to drive a projectile into a component, such as an air gun.

[0072] In some embodiments, the mechanism for generating the shock wave includes an electromagnetic mechanism configured to drive the projectile into the component, such as a pulsed power machine magnetic drive plate.

[0073] In some embodiments, the mechanism for generating a shock wave (e.g., electromagnetic) includes a direct drive mechanism configured to generate a Lorentz force in electrodes adjacent to the component. In this embodiment, the Lorentz force generates a shock wave in the electrodes, which is then transmitted to the input of the component.

[0074] In some embodiments, the mechanism for generating a shock wave includes a laser driving mechanism. This mechanism may include: an ablation layer adjacent to the input end of the component; and one or more lasers configured to ablate the ablation layer, thereby generating a shock wave in the component. In one embodiment, the laser is incident directly on the ablation layer. In another embodiment, the laser is incident on the surface of a blackbody cavity, thereby generating X-rays that cover and ablate the ablation material.

[0075] It should be understood that, as used herein, the term "impact resistance" is intended to mean "the pressure that must be applied to a medium in order to impart a unit particle velocity to a portion of that medium" (Henderson, "On the refraction of shockwaves," *Journal of Fluid Mechanics*, January 1989, Vol. 198, pp. 365-386). It is equal to the product of the impact velocity and the density of the unimpacted material.

[0076] The component may have any suitable and desired size, for example, to be determined by the specific application of the component. In one embodiment, the thickness, diameter and / or maximum size of the component is between 0.1 mm and 100 mm, for example between 1 mm and 50 mm, for example between 2 mm and 10 mm, for example about 3 mm, 5 mm or 8 mm.

[0077] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of a component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a 3D view of the components Figure 2 It shows the combination of Figure 1a The system of components; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 and Figure 7 It was shown as Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of a variant of the component; and Figures 8 to 13 It was shown as Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a variant of the component.

[0078] Components and systems for compressing a substance (e.g., fuel) by manipulating an input shock wave to generate a high local energy concentration by producing a high-pressure quasi-spherical shock wave incident on the substance to be compressed.

[0079] It will be understood that, as used herein, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “base,” etc., are included for clarity and are intended to indicate the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in use, components and systems may operate in any suitable and desired orientation.

[0080] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A cross-sectional view and a perspective view of component 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively.

[0081] The cross-section shown is taken in a plane containing the central longitudinal axis Z of component 1. In the shown embodiment, component 1 is rotationally symmetric about the central axis Z, as shown from... Figure 1b It's obvious.

[0082] Component 1 comprises three parts: a body 2, a focusing element 9, and a target volume 12. The body 2 defines a bowl-shaped recess 4. The recess 4 is defined by recess walls 6, the angles of which change continuously (e.g., bends), such that the recess 4 is bowl-shaped.

[0083] The top surface of the component forms an input terminal 10, which is configured to receive an input shock wave. The body 2 is formed of a material with high impact resistance. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 2 is formed of tantalum. The body 2 may be formed of other materials, such as other heavy metals, such as tungsten, steel, copper, or platinum.

[0084] The recess 4 is filled with a solid material 8 having low impact resistance, such as PMMA or epoxy resin. The focusing element 9 is embedded within the material 8, as if from... Figure 1a and Figure 1b As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the focusing element 9 is formed of gold, but the focusing element can be formed of other materials, such as other metals, like aluminum or copper.

[0085] For illustrative purposes, it has been from Figure 1bThe recess filling material 8 is omitted, allowing the top of the target element to be seen. The focusing element 9 is oval (i.e., egg-shaped) and defines a target volume 12 configured to accommodate the material to be compressed. The focusing element 9 is completely surrounded by the material 8 filling the recess 4, thus separating the focusing element 9 from the recess wall 6.

[0086] Now refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 Explain the operation of component 1. Figure 2 A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which incorporates Figure 1a and Figure 1b Component 1.

[0087] Input 10 is configured to receive shock waves. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the shock wave is generated by impacting the input end 10 of the component 1 with a disc-shaped projectile 13 having a flat impact surface 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the projectile 13 is at least partially formed of tantalum, but may be formed of other heavy metals such as tungsten, platinum, steel, or copper.

[0088] The shock wave generated at input 10 propagates through the recess filling material 8 and is reflected from the recess wall 6 due to the significant impact impedance difference at the boundary between the low-impedance recess filling material and the high-impedance body 2. Due to the curved shape of the recess wall, the shock wave element is reflected towards the focusing element 9. These reflections (combined with the originally propagated shock wave) cause a partially spherical shock wave to be incident on the focusing element 9.

[0089] As the shock wave propagates through the focusing element 9, it is further spherically focused by the shape of the focusing element, thereby creating a spherical impact state at the location of the target volume 12. This impact state is used to compress and thus compress the material in the target volume 12.

[0090] exist Figure 1a and Figure 1b In one embodiment, the focusing element is oval (i.e., egg-shaped) and defines a spherical target volume 12, which is configured to contain the material to be compressed. In the illustrated embodiment, the target volume 12 is centered on the central longitudinal axis Z.

[0091] The target volume 12 is not concentric with the focusing element 9. More precisely, the center of the target volume 12 is lower than the center of the focusing element (i.e., farther from the input end 10). This offset is used for spherical focusing of the impact because the portion of the impact front that propagates along the longitudinal axis Z has more material to travel through before reaching the target volume 12 than the portion of the impact front that has already been reflected from the recess wall 6 and is approaching the target volume 12 from the side. This allows the portions of the impact front on the sides and below the target volume 12 to catch up and surround it, so that the entire impact front reaches the target volume 12 together.

[0092] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of component 40, a variant of component 1, is shown. The cross-section shown is taken in a plane containing the central longitudinal axis Z of component 40.

[0093] Component 40 includes with Figure 1a , Figure 1b The body 42 and recess filling material 48 are similar to those of component 1 and are configured to function by receiving input shock waves at the input end 410 (e.g., via impact projectiles) in a manner similar to that described with respect to this embodiment.

[0094] However, Figure 3 The focusing element 49 of the component 40 shown is different from that of the component 40 shown. Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 The focusing element 9 of component 1 is shown. The focusing element 49 of component 40 includes multiple shells (e.g., enclosing layers) formed of different materials with different impact resistances.

[0095] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, the impact resistance of the shell gradually increases from the outer surface 43 of the focusing element to the target volume 412. Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the body 42 is formed of tantalum, the recess filling material 48 is formed of PMMA, and the focusing element 49 includes a first shell 421 formed of aluminum and defining an outer surface 43 of the focusing element 49, a second (intermediate) shell 422 formed of copper, and a third shell 423 formed of gold, which defines the target volume 412. It will be understood that these particular materials are merely exemplary, and other suitable materials may be used to form multiple shells.

[0096] In use, the initial projectile impact creates a strong shock wave that travels faster in the first casing 421 than in the second casing 422, and faster in the second casing 422 than in the third casing 423. Therefore, by controlling the ratio of impact impedance to travel distance in each casing, the shock wave can be manipulated as it propagates through the focusing element 49, such that portions of the shock wave propagating from different angles toward the target volume 412 simultaneously reach the target volume 412 and work together to compress the material to be compressed in a spherical implosion.

[0097] The large impedance mismatch between the recessed filling material 48 and the first shell 421 serves to retain a significant amount of energy within the focusing element, as impact portions reflected from the boundary between the first shell 421 and the second shell 422 are unlikely to cross the boundary and propagate back into the recessed filling material 48 from the first shell 421. More likely, these impact portions will reflect back from the boundary between the first shell 421 and the recessed filling material 48, towards the target volume 412.

[0098] Meanwhile, the incremental impact impedance variation between the first shell 421, the second shell 422, and the third shell 423 helps to increase the coupling between the shells, thereby reducing the degree of reflection from the shell boundaries.

[0099] Each of the shells 421, 422, and 423 is oval-shaped, and the shells 421, 422, and 423 are not concentric with the target volume 412. More precisely, as moving from the input end 410 toward the target volume 412, the center of each shell is farther from the input end 410 than the center of the previous shell.

[0100] As a result, shells 421, 422, and 423 are thickest at the longitudinal axis Z. This is used for further spherical focusing of the shock wave, because the portion of the shock front propagating along the longitudinal axis travels through more material before reaching the target volume 412. This allows the portions of the shock front on the sides and below the target volume 412 to catch up and surround it, so that the entire shock front reaches the target volume 412 together.

[0101] They also envisioned Figure 3 A variant in which the focusing element is not formed as a discrete shell, but rather the overall topography becomes a structure with continuously varying impact resistance. This focusing element functions essentially the same as focusing element 49, but the lack of discrete layers reduces the problems associated with coupling between the focusing element and the shell, as there are no discrete shell boundaries to reflect shock waves far from the target volume. This continuous focusing element can be formed using two-photon polymerization to 3D print the focusing element as a variable-density foam.

[0102] Figure 4 It shows the crossing as Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 The cross-section of component 60, a variant of component 1 shown. Figure 4 The component 60 shown is similar to Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 The component 1 shown, apart from the additional element, takes the form of an inverted hollow cone 61 on top of the focusing element 69, between the focusing element 69 and the input end 610.

[0103] The base of the cone rests on the focusing element 69, while the apex of the cone is adjacent to the input end 610 of the component 60. The cone 61 is formed of a high-density material (e.g., tantalum). The cone 61 has the effect of focusing the shock wave in the filling material 68 of the recess toward the recess wall 66 (via reflection from the side of the cone 61). This causes the impact portion to reach the underside of the focusing element 69 more quickly.

[0104] Furthermore, because the high-density cone 61 blocks the direct path from the input end to the focusing element 69, the impact portion propagating parallel to the Z-axis is slowed down. The combination of these effects results in a more uniform impact state at the location of the target volume 612, as the impact portion approaching the target volume 612 from below is given a chance to catch up with those impact portions approaching the target volume directly from the input end 610.

[0105] Although cone 61 has been shown as a... Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 Modifications to component 1, however, will be understood that cone 61 can be incorporated into any of the rotationally symmetric components described herein.

[0106] Figure 5 It shows the crossing as Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of component 70, a variant of component 1 shown. Figure 5 The component 70 shown includes and Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 The component 1 shown has a similar body 72 and recess filling material 78, but... Figure 5 The component 70 shown includes a focusing element 79, which includes a plurality of oval shells 717, 719.

[0107] Figure 5 The housings 717 and 719 of the focusing element 79 of the component 70 shown are... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The difference between the housings of the focusing elements 49 and 59 in the components 40 and 50 shown is that... Figure 5The housing of the focusing element 79 of the illustrated component 70 does not have a gradually changing impact resistance. Instead, the focusing element 79 includes a plurality of high impact resistance housings 717 and a plurality of low impact resistance housings 719.

[0108] Shells 717 and 718 are arranged to alternate between a high-impact-resistance shell 717 and a low-impact-resistance shell 719. (As from...) Figure 5 As can be seen, the high-impedance shell 717 is thinner than the low-impedance shell 719. Shells 717 and 719 are arranged such that shock waves propagating through the focusing element 79 reverberate within the shells due to reflections from the boundary between the low-impedance shell 717 and the high-impedance shell 719, resulting in constructive and destructive interference as the shock waves pass each other. When an impact enters the high-impedance shell 717 from the low-impedance shell 719, a portion of the impact is transmitted to the high-impedance layer 717, while a portion is reflected back into the low-impedance layer 719.

[0109] The portion in the low impact resistance layer 719 is accelerated as it now travels through the pre-impact material. The impact portion is then reflected from the boundary between the shells, and because it has been accelerated, the reflected portion eventually catches up with the portion of the impact that was initially transmitted to the high impact resistance shell 717.

[0110] By arranging the low-impact-resistance shell 717 and the high-impact-resistance shell 719, the focusing element 79 can be arranged such that multiple impact portions are superimposed at the target volume 712, thereby generating a brief high-impact-pressure state that may be sufficient to cause the fusion fuel contained in the target volume 712 to collapse.

[0111] As in other embodiments described herein, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, the target volume 712 is not concentric with the focusing element 79. More precisely, the center of the target volume 712 is lower than the center of the focusing element 79 (i.e., farther from the input terminal 710).

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, all high impact resistance shells 717 are formed of the same material, and all low impact resistance shells 719 are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, different low impact resistance shells 719 may use different low impact resistance materials, and different high impact resistance shells 717 may use different high impact resistance materials.

[0113] Will understand, Figure 5 The alternating high-impedance shell configuration to low-impedance shell configuration shown is not limited to... Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2 A variant of component 1. For example, Figures 6 to 11The geometry of the component shown can also be modified to include multiple alternating impact impedance shells as described above, and it will be understood that the superposition principle resulting from reflections between shell boundaries will be similar for such a component.

[0114] A potential problem with the components of this invention is the formation of a high-pressure jet at the "south pole" of the component (i.e., below the focusing element). This jet is caused by the overlap of impacting portions traveling in different directions (e.g., along the recessed wall).

[0115] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Variations of the component of claim 1 are shown, which are designed to mitigate this jet effect.

[0116] Figure 6 The component includes a shaped impedance matching layer 80, which is positioned at the south pole between the focusing element and the recess wall. This layer 80 is used to mitigate the formation of any jet. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaped impedance matching layer 80 is formed of a material having high impact resistance (such as tantalum, tungsten, platinum, steel, or copper). However, in other embodiments, the shaped impedance matching layer 80 may be formed of a low impact resistance material (such as PMMA or epoxy resin).

[0117] Figure 7 The component has a recessed wall that is shaped to provide a recess 81 at the Antarctic. This recess reduces the pressure during impact overlap, which can reduce the effect of the jet.

[0118] Figures 8 to 13 It shows that in Figure 5 The component shown in the diagram and discussed in detail above is a variant of the component. As... Figure 5 Component 70, Figures 8 to 13 Each of the components 90 includes a body 92 that defines a recess 94 filled with a recess filler material 98. Further, like the focusing element 79 of component 70, the focusing element 99 of component 90 includes a plurality of high impact resistance shells 917 and a plurality of low impact resistance shells 919.

[0119] Shells 917 and 919 are arranged to alternate between a high-impedance shell 917 and a low-impedance shell 919. Shells 917 and 919 are arranged such that shock waves propagating through the focusing element 99 reverberate within the shells due to reflections from the boundary between the low-impedance shell 917 and the high-impedance shell 919, resulting in constructive and destructive interference as the shock waves pass each other. When an impact enters the high-impedance shell 917 from the low-impedance shell 919, a portion of the impact is transmitted to the high-impedance layer 917, while a portion is reflected back into the low-impedance layer 919.

[0120] The portion in the low impact resistance layer 919 is accelerated as it now travels through the pre-impact material. The impact portion is then reflected from the boundary between the shells, and because it has been accelerated, the reflected portion eventually catches up with the portion of the impact that was initially transmitted to the high impact resistance shell 917.

[0121] By arranging the low-impact-resistance shell 917 and the high-impact-resistance shell 919, the focusing element 99 can be arranged such that multiple impact portions are superimposed at the target volume 912, thereby generating a brief high-impact-pressure state that may be sufficient to compress the material contained in the target volume 912 (e.g., to cause the fusion fuel contained in the target volume to collapse).

[0122] As in other embodiments described herein, Figures 8 to 13 In each of the components 90 shown, the target volume 912 is not concentric with the layer of the focusing element 99. More precisely, the center of the target volume 912 is lower than the center of the focusing element layer (i.e., farther from the input 910).

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, all high impact resistance shells 917 are formed of the same material, and all low impact resistance shells 919 are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, different low impact resistance shells 919 may use different low impact resistance materials, and different high impact resistance shells 917 may use different high impact resistance materials.

[0124] Most notably, the geometry of component 90 differs from that of component 70 in that the input end 910 is not the widest point of the recess 94. More precisely, each of the recesses 94 is approximately bowl-shaped, with its walls curving back towards the central axis of the recess from the input end 910 in a manner similar to that of a balloon or glass. Furthermore, it can be seen that... Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 In the embodiments, the recesses 94 all include an inflection point at their base (towards the target volume 412).

[0125] The focusing element 99 and the layers 917 and 919 derived from it each have a generally oval shape, but... Figure 5 Compared to the focusing element 79, the more tapered end of the oval shape is closer to the base of the recess 94, while the more rounded end of the oval shape is closer to the input end 910 of the recess. In embodiments where an inflection point exists at the base of the recess, this inflection point also exists in the base of the focusing element 99. This is in Figure 9 The most prominent among the 90 components.

[0126] Will understand, Figures 8 to 13 The specific shape shown is exemplary, and other suitable configurations and designs are envisioned.

[0127] Although specific examples have been given, it will be clear that there are a large number of parameters that can affect the actual results achieved.

[0128] In the above embodiments, some of the figures shown are vertical cross-sections of three-dimensional components, thus depicting rotationally symmetric embodiments. However, this is not necessary for the present invention.

[0129] It should be understood that the embodiments explicitly disclosed herein are intended to be exemplary, and those skilled in the art should understand that the features of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined (except in mutually exclusive cases) in combinations not explicitly mentioned to form new embodiments.

[0130] Although the input surface of the component shown in the illustrated embodiments is planar, it will be understood that there are embodiments in which the input surface of the component is at least partially non-planar (e.g., curved, such as convex or concave). Similarly, although the projectile shown in the illustrated embodiments is planar, it will be understood that there are embodiments in which the projectile (e.g., the impact surface of the projectile) is at least partially non-planar (e.g., curved, such as convex or concave).

[0131] Embodiments of the present invention can be adapted to amplify shock waves for the purpose of generating conditions suitable for nuclear fusion; however, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be used for other applications.

Claims

1. A component for compressing material using an input shock wave, the component comprising: a body including a recess wall defining a recess; The input terminal used to input the shock wave into the component; as well as A focusing element, wherein the focusing element is located within the recess; The focusing element defines a volume configured to contain the substance to be compressed; The recessed wall is configured to reflect the input shock wave toward the focusing element; and The focusing element is configured to focus the reflected shock wave onto the volume.

2. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The body comprises a first material; Wherein, the recess comprises a second material; and The impact impedance of the second material is lower than that of the first material.

3. The component as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The input end of the component is provided by the outer surface of the body and / or the outer surface of the second material of the recess.

4. The component as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein, The recessed wall includes a curved portion.

5. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The recess is bowl-shaped, for example, substantially hemispherical.

6. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The body comprises a first material; Wherein, the recess comprises a second material; and The focusing element is contained within the second material.

7. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The body comprises a first material; Wherein, the recess comprises a second material; and The second material and the focusing element are adjacent to each other.

8. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The body includes a surface defining the recess; and The focusing element is spaced apart from the surface defining the recess.

9. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The focusing element is substantially oval.

10. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The impact impedance of the focusing element varies throughout the focusing element.

11. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The impact resistance near the outer surface of the focusing element is lower than the impact resistance near the volume.

12. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The focusing element comprises multiple housings.

13. The component as claimed in claim 12, wherein, Two or more of the shells have different impact resistances from each other.

14. The component as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The impact resistance of the two or more shells gradually increases from the outer surface of the focusing element toward the volume.

15. The component as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The plurality of shells includes one or more first shells and one or more second shells, the one or more first shells including a third material having a third impact resistance, and the one or more second shells including a fourth material having an impact resistance lower than that of the third material.

16. The component as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The plurality of shells includes a plurality of first shells and / or a plurality of second shells, wherein the plurality of shells alternate between the first shells and the second shells.

17. The component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The focusing element is integrally formed and has an impact resistance that gradually changes from the outer surface of the focusing element toward the volume.

18. A method for compressing a substance using an input shock wave, the method comprising generating the input shock wave at an input end of a component according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. A system for compressing material using an input shock wave, the system comprising: The component as described in any one of claims 1 to 17; as well as A mechanism for generating the input shock wave at the input end of the component.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, The institutions include: A drive mechanism configured to drive a projectile into the component to generate a shock wave at the input end of the component.

21. The component as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, or the method as claimed in claim 18, or the system as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein, The substance to be compressed includes fuel.

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