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

Author

Herbert Thomas

Date of Award

8-1991

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Aerospace Engineering

Major Professor

George W. Garrison

Abstract

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.

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Herbert, "A numerical simulation of axisymmetric, steady-state plasma flow with self-induced and applied magnetic fields. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 1991.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/11237