Some characteristics of supersonic flow of an electrically conductive gas in an MHD-channel

We study supersonic flows of an electrically conductive gas in crossed electric and magnetic fields [1] in the presence of shock waves. It is shown that three steady flow regimes can exist, and that these are defined by the electrical conductivity of the gas as a function of temperature and density.

1. The normal regime is characterized by a tendency for the shock to move toward the channel entrance on increase of the static pressure at the channel exit. The steady regime of this type exists and is stable.
2. The anomalous regime (formally constructed) is characterized by a tendency for the shock to move toward the exit on increase of the static pressure at the channel exit. This regime is unstable and the flow in the MHD-channel may be either entirely supersonic or entirely subsonic.
3. The limiting (boundary) regime is intermediate between the normal and anomalous regimes and is characterized by the fact that the stationary position of the shock wave and its amplitude are not uniquely defined. Steady flow in this case is not unique.

This study involves formal construction both of the solution to the steady-state problem and the corresponding nonsteady-state problem [4]. The establishment of a steady regime in the solution of the unsteady problem, is at the same time, a verification of its stability.