Nautilus: Robust, positivity and divergence preserving code for multi-fluid, multi-species electromagnetics and plasma physics applications

Abstract

In this paper we will present algorithms implemented in Nautilus, a new code for the solution of a wide variety of plasma and neutral fluid equations. Nautilus can simulate fully and weakly ionized flows and has been applied to fast magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) devices like Z-pinches and dense-plasma focuses, chemically reacting hypersonic flows and plasma jet propagation and merging for the creation of high energy-density states in the laboratory. We present details of new positivity preserving fluid algorithms as well as collocated Maxwell equation solvers that preserve divergence and work on general geometries. Current state of Nautilus is described and future directions outlined.

Hybrid magneto-hydrodynamic simulation of a driven FRC

“…The present approach may provide a means to convert magnetic energy into particle energy, by properly taking into account the ion motion; as previously suggested. [5][6][7] …”

“…Magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) models are widely used to describe the FRC dynamics; while kinetic 4 and full twofluid [5][6][7] plasma models are also used to a lesser extent. The approach taken here is to simulate the formation and equilibrium dynamics of the FRC, using a hybrid-MHD model, and to compare the results with measurements obtained on a well-documented experiment.…”