MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC SHOCK STRUCTURE IN A PARTIALLY IONIZED GAS
Abstract
A study has been made of strong MHD shock waves in partially ionized hydrogen. Dissipation due to slip between the ions and neutrals with the effects of viscosity and heat conductivity have been included. Charge exchange processes control viscosity and ion slip. For Alfven Mach numbers below 2.5, the dominant mechanism is ion slip; for larger Mach numbers, the viscosity is important. The measured light intensity rise time and the electron temperature immediately behind the shock agree with theory. Behind the shock, measured electron temperatures are low. Electron temperatures are obtained by measuring the plasma soft x-radiation using thin carbon foils as filters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0414622
Entities
People
- E. T. Gerry
- H. E. Petschek
- R. M. Patrick