| Abstract: | Plasma flows in coaxial channels with a truncated central electrode are accompanied by compression and heating of the plasma on the channel axis 1–4]. Such flows were calculated in 1, 4] within the framework of a simple MHD model and by simple numerical methods and, accordingly, the results reflect only the basic qualitative characteristics of compression flows. Below, these flows are investigated in greater detail on the basis of a more accurate physical model with allowance for the finite conductivity, heat conduction and radiation of the plasma and impurities. The cases of anisotropic and classical isotropic heat conduction are considered. The numerical method employed is based on two finite-difference schemes: SHASTA-FCT 5–7] and TVD 8, 6]. The main advantage of these methods is the high resolution of the shock waves and contact discontinuities, which is highly desirable in describing compression flows. The calculations relate to the case of a fully ionized hydrogen plasma.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 3, pp. 102–109, May–June, 1991.In conclusion, the author wishes to express his gratitude to K. V. Brushlinskii and A. I. Morozov for frequent discussions and to K. P. Gorshenin for the use of his calculation results. |
