Our current understanding of shock-driven star formation and the mixing of stellar materials in the interstellar medium largely relies on limited observational data and sophisticated computational models. Despite their comprehensive scope, computational studies often face limitations in accurately capturing the full complexity of physical interactions. Turbulent mixing, resulting from the interaction between shocks and blast waves with denser clouds in the interstellar medium, simplifies under certain assumptions to become hydrodynamically self-similar. This self-similarity makes the problem suitable for detailed laboratory investigations over extended periods, providing a vital link between observational data and computational models.

The presented work focuses on the development of experimental platforms for conducting shock-cloud experiments. We have successfully utilized a modified 2-stage light-gas gun facility, enabling us to drive a planar Mach 3 shock through a 100 mbar nitrogen gas environment and across cylindrical foam targets with a 2-mm diameter and a density of 150 mg/cm³. The experimental outcomes revealed a cloud-crushing time of 1.8μs, aligning with the analytical solution derived by Klein et al. Compared to laser-driven shocks, our modified gas gun setup enables exploration in the low Mach number regime with larger targets for detailed observation. It sustains shock pressure for tens of microseconds, allowing for the observation of shock-target interactions over multiple cloud-crushing times.

We intend to expand our exploration of shock-driven mechanisms through the use of the inverse wire array Z-pinch pulsed power machine and high-power laser facilities. By employing a variety of target designs and cutting-edge diagnostics, we aim to study these interactions in different conditions, enhancing our understanding of the fundamental physics involved. This comprehensive insight is essential for unravelling the processes behind triggered star formation and for shedding light on similar turbulent mixing challenges seen in inertial confinement fusion experiments.
 

turbulent mixing,hydrodynamic,shock wave,Interstellar medium