Advanced Numerical Methods for Three-Dimensional Parallel Hybrid MHD/PIC.

Abstract

We have developed, implemented, and applied coupled Eulerican/Lagrangian computational models for efficient parallel numerical simulation of high energy density plasmas. Prototype problems include studies of physical systems encountered in advanced weapons, space propulsion thrusters, pulsed power systems, and other areas of direct interest to the Air Force. The main conclusion of our study is that computationally efficient and physically sound description of nonsteady plasmas typical for these applications is possible using the advanced hybrid MHD/PIC methods developed here. In the first chapter of this report, we outline technical details of our computational approach, including numerical algorithms, physical models, and efficient numerical implementation strategies evaluated/implemented during this work. In the second chapter, we discuss several representative flow simulations obtained using computational models developed as a result of our research. In particular, we have investigated optimal regimes of plasma focusing and energy conversion across a wide range of parameters and devices geometries. Overall, our results show that, with advanced parallel computing platforms, analysis and prototyping of certain plasma device components of interest to the Air Force are amenable to cost efficient numerical simulation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 31, 1996
Accession Number
ADA325690

Entities

People

  • Alexandr Konstantinov
  • Charles P. Verdon
  • Ilya Staroselsky
  • Robert L. Mccrory
  • Steven A. Orszag

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Energy
  • Energy Conversion
  • Geometry
  • High Energy
  • Models
  • Parallel Computing
  • Plasmonic Devices
  • Product Prototyping
  • Prototypes
  • Pulsed Power
  • Simulations
  • Space Propulsion
  • Three Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster