Numerical Simulation of the Compressible Orszag-Tang Vortex II. Supersonic Flow
Abstract
The numerical investigation of the Orszag-Tang vortex system in compressible magnetofluids will consider initial conditions with embedded supersonic regions. The simulations have initial average Mach numbers M = 1.0 and 1.5 and beta = 10/3 with Lundquist numbers S = 50, 100, or 200. The behavior of the system differs significantly from that found previously for the incompressible and subsonic analogs. Shocks form at the downstream boundaries of the embedded supersonic regions outside the central magnetic X-point and produce strong local current sheets which dissipate appreciable magnetic energy. Reconnection at the central X-point, which dominates the incompressible and subsonic systems, peaks later and has a smaller impact as M increases from 0.6 to 1.5. Similarly, correlation between the momentum and magnetic field begins significant growth later than in subsonic and incompressible flows. The shocks bound large compression regions, which dominate the wavenumber spectra of autocorrelations in mass density, velocity, and magnetic field. Keywords: Compressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence; Solar wind structuring; Direct numerical simulation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 05, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA224913
Entities
People
- J. Michael Picone
- Russell B. Dahlburg
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory