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Magnetic compression and a kinematic signature of surface melting in current-driven metal loads

A. W. Klemmer1,*,†, S. E. Kreher2, T. M. Hutchinson3, E. P. Yu4, T. J. Awe4, C. L. Rousculp2, D. H. Dolan5, B. T. Hutsel4, K. C. Yates4 et al.

K. J. Swanson6, J. J. Iratcabal1, A. Dahal1, and B. S. Bauer1

  • *Contact author: aidanklemmer@outlook.com
  • †Present address: Pacific Fusion Corporation, Fremont, California 94538, USA.
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Phys. Rev. E 114, L023202 – Published 28 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qxq4-k5xp

Abstract

In current-driven metal loads, a nonlinear magnetic-diffusion wave carries current and Joule heating inward from the electrical skin-depth layer, coupling the electromagnetic drive to material compression, melting, and expansion. Photon Doppler velocimetry of electrically thick aluminum measures premelt radial magnetic compression of 34.8±2.1 nm and an acceleration transition during surface melting. Interpreted with one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic calculations, the measured velocity history gives a model-assisted solid-liquid transition duration of 4.5±0.7ns. The result is a validation-relevant surface-motion constraint for integrated current-driven material models, complementary to direct pressure-density-temperature measurements of aluminum.

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Magnetic compression and solid-liquid phase transition of current-carrying conductors measured by photon Doppler velocimetry

A. W. Klemmer, S. E. Kreher, T. M. Hutchinson, E. P. Yu, T. J. Awe, C. L. Rousculp, D. H. Dolan, B. T. Hutsel, K. C. Yates, K. J. Swanson, J. J. Iratcabal, A. Dahal, and B. S. Bauer
Phys. Rev. E 114, 025210 (2026)

Article Text

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Outline

Information

Phys. Rev. E 114, L023202– Published 28 August, 2026
  • Received 15 November 2025
  • Revised 27 June 2026
  • Accepted 8 July 2026
Article part of CHORUS
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