Computer Solution of the Magnetic Shock-Tube Problem,
Abstract
A three fluid (electrons, ions and neutrals) model of an electrical current sheet is investigated numerically on the computer resulting in particular solutions to the magnetic annular shock tube problem appropriate to given laboratory boundary conditions. A two-point boundary value problem involving a highly non-linear ordinary differential equation and an initially unknown interval of integration is solved. The equation and the far boundary condition are such that different methods for correcting the assumed initial conditions are required depending on the sign of the error. Adequate techniques for estimating the interval of integration and correcting the initial condition to arrive at the desired far boundary conditions are demonstrated. Magnetic shock tube performance and ranges of validity of the three fluid current sheet model are predicted by systematic variation of the laboratory boundary conditions and repeated computation. Results of this research have potential use in new methods for accelerating gases, applicable in low-thrust, long-duration aerospacecraft propulsion devices for extended-mission space vehicles. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0735010
Entities
People
- Roger W. Gallington
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy