A numerical investigation of a shock-tube-driven conductivity channel

Abstract

A code using the MacCormack scheme modified t o be TVD has been written t o analyze the flow in a magnetohydrodynamic conductivity channel driven by a reflected shock tube with a heated driver. Items considered include the thermodynamic and electrical properties of the potassium-seeded plasma, both with and without a current applied along the flow, and the steady-state test time in the channel. An inviscid, quasi-one-dimensional model was used with an electric power flux term included in the energy equation to account for the energy addition of the applied current. I t was determined that, as a consequence of the high temperature ratios across the primary diaphragm in the shock tube, no steady-state window exists in the channel. Conductivity channel investigations revealed that Joule heating effects begin at a channel current of two Amperes and become significant above a current of ten Amperes.

Computation of unsteady nonequilibrium propulsive flowfields

“…The increase in ionization causes an increase in conductivity thereby causing a greater acceleration by means of MHD. Venable et al [12] have recently modeled quasi one-dimensional unsteady equilibrium flow with MHD terms using upwind schemes.…”

On Godunov-Type Schemes for Magnetohydrodynamics

“…As numerical simulations come to play a vital role in studying the motion of ionized gases in hypersonic flows [4,33], space propulsion [42], and space physics [15], great emphasis has been placed on the development of numerical schemes for the system of magnetohydrodynamic equations. Out of the various possibilities, Godunov-type schemes-encouraged by successful applications to the Euler equations-are considered to be highly effective in resolving discontinuities such as shock waves for high speed flow problems.…”