Use of multiframe proton radiography to investigate fast hydrodynamic processes

This paper gives the results of investigation of fast hydrodynamic processes by flash proton radiography based on the U-70 proton synchrotron of the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP). The physical setup for proton radiography with a maximum energy of the proton bunch up to 70 GeV and intensity up to 1.5 $\cdot$ 10$^{13}$ protons per cycle records up to 29 frames in one projection with the minimum interframe time interval of 165 nsec. At present, the recording area is $\approx$ 60 mm in diameter, with the prospect of increasing to 250 mm. The duration of the proton bunches equals 20–30 nsec and can be reduced to 10–15 nsec. Since 2004 and up to now, the Russian Federal Nuclear Center-Institute of Experimental Physics (RFNC-VNIIEF), together with IHEP, have performed static and dynamic experiments on this setup to study: the initiation and propagation of detonation in condensed explosives, shockwave propagation in inert materials; hydrodynamic instabilities in metals; dynamic deformation and fracture of liners and plates; spall fracture; the formation of shaped-charge jets and their interaction with obstacles; other applications of physics of the explosion. The proton radiography complex based on the U-70 accelerator and designed by researchers of RFNC-VNIIEF and IHEP is a unique tool for studying fast processes. The method of proton radiography opens up new opportunities for Russian researchers: multiframe recording, almost unlimited thickness of the objects studied, high spatial resolution, enormous dynamic recording range.