Effect of lateral radiative losses on radiative shock propagation

Experimental and numerical studies of radiative shocks, of interest as scaled astrophysical objects, have been performed. Experiments were conducted at the PALS facility in Prague with a xenon filled mini-shock tube using a laser accelerated plastic pusher. Numerical simulations of the hydrodynamics including radiation effects have been performed with the 3D code HERACLES. Measurements have been made of the electronic density of the shocked gas and of the time history of the position of the radiative precursor. Simulations and experimental results show good agreement when lateral radiative losses are taken into account, including a wall albedo of 40%.