Speaker
Description
Open axisymmetric converging-diverging magnetic field configurations, such as magnetic nozzles and magnetic mirrors, are widely employed in various plasma systems for fusion and propulsion applications. Supersonic plasma acceleration and thrust are the quantities of interest in these configurations. We perform two-dimensional (radial-axial) ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations, with an emphasis on the acceleration mechanism including the electromagnetic effects and the effects of azimuthal plasma rotation. We show that near the axis (for small radii), supersonic plasma acceleration follows the predictions of the analytical theory in the low-pressure limit. The azimuthal plasma rotation and magnetic field provide additional energy that can be converted into the energy of the directed flow. Our simulations also include the effects of the radial pressure gradient and associated modifications to the background magnetic field due to finite plasma pressure.
| Keyword-1 | 2D MHD simulations |
|---|---|
| Keyword-2 | magnetic nozzle |
| Keyword-3 | plasma acceleration |
