A numerical simulation of axisymmetric, steady-state plasma flow with self-induced and applied magnetic fields

An axisymmetric, implicit, finite-difference algorithm was formulated for the steady-state performance prediction of Arcjets and MPD-Thrusters subject to both self-induced and applied magnetic fields. Thermal non-equilibrium was taken into account The azimuthal momentum equation was added to the algorithm to accommodate swirl flow due to applied magnetic fields. The electrical conductivity was calculated by Saha's equation and Hall effects were included. The code was validated by comparisons to simple test cases. A parameter study was performed based on a geometry that allows comparison to other numerical data and experimental results. Good agreement was found between the predictions of the new code and the previously published numerical and experimental results.