Linear analysis of a resistive compressible plasma flow around a sharp corner

Abstract

In this article the authors describe a perturbation method used to calculate the flow of a compressible magnetized plasma around a sharp corner with a small turning angle. The main purpose for this analysis is the study of the flow in the exit region of a plasma accelerator in the regime of high magnetic Reynolds number. The physical model is based on a one‐fluid resistive magnetohydrodynamic model (continuum model). The analysis predicts the existence of an acoustic expansion fan near the sharp corner, and a magnetoacoustic expansion fan in the far field. The current lines refract across the acoustic fan. Near an anode there is a strong mass depletion downstream of the corner. Along an anode, some of the current lines reattach far downstream, creating a magnetic boundary layer along the electrode. Near a cathode there is a region of high density and high temperature ahead of the corner. Along a cathode most of the current attaches itself ahead of the corner. Finally, the current refraction predicted by t...