Computational and experimental studies of the beam-target interaction for high-dose, multi-pulse radiography

Summary form only given. The conversion of an intense relativistic electron beam into X-rays for radiographic imaging is achieved through the bremsstrahlung process of electrons in a target of optimal thickness. To achieve desirable resolution for thick objects, an extremely high-brightness electron beam is used, and a significant amount of beam energy can be deposited in a small area of the target. Vaporization of the target material and expansion of the resultant plasma can occur. In a multi-pulsing design, which will resolve the dynamic behavior of the object, the expanding plasma can have an effect on the quality of subsequent electron beam pulses. The evolution of the plasma was investigated using a two-dimensional Eulerian magnetohydrodynamic code.