Relativistic modeling capabilities in perseus extended-MHD simulation code for HED plasmas

We discuss the incorporation of relativistic modeling capabilities into the PERSEUS extended-MHD simulation code for high-energy-density (HED) plasmas, and present the latest simulation results. The use of fully relativistic equations enables the model to remain self-consistent in simulations of such relativistic phenomena as hybrid X-pinches and laser-plasma interactions. We have overcome a major challenge of a relativistic fluid implementation, namely the recovery of primitive variables (density, velocity, pressure) from conserved quantities at each time step of a simulation. Our code recovers non-relativistic results along with important features of published Particle-In-Cell simulation results for a laser penetrating a supercritical hydrogen gas with Fast Ignition applications. We then model a laser incident on a thin Aluminum foil. Field amplification and relativistic electrons result in foil penetration due to collisionality, hole-boring, and relativistic induced transparency from thermally massive electrons. We also observe ponderomotive cavitation along with filamentation of the foil where it is penetrated.