Fill Tube Assembly Development for Omega and NIF Shell Applications

A new technique has been developed for attaching glass and polyimide tubes to National Ignition Facility and OMEGA-scale capsules. Resorcinol-formaldehyde foam and CD fill tube assemblies are designed for OMEGA laser capabilities by the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics. Because of the porous structure of the foam, test procedures have been implemented to guarantee the target assemblies are leaktight under room and cryogenic temperatures. Based on the type and conditions of the target, ultraviolet glue or two-part epoxy glue is applied to particular sections on the assembly. Development has been conducted to overcome issues dealing with the adhesives, test procedures, and fill tube designs described in this paper.