Numerical simulation of MGD flows for plasma propulsion

Paper number

IAC-06-C4.P.4.10

Author

Dr. Sergio Elaskar, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and CONICET, Argentina

Coauthor

Mr. Livio Maglione, Argentina

Coauthor

Mr. Oscar Falcinelli, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and CONICET, Argentina

Coauthor

Prof. Hector Brito, Instituto Universitario Aeronautico, Argentina

Coauthor

Dr. José Tamagno, Instituto Universitario Aeronautico, Argentina

Year

2006

Abstract

At the present, in Argentina, it is being developed a Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT). With the objective of improving the design of this PPT we are working to simulate the flow of plasma in their interior. To accomplish this, two software packages were developed by the authors, and numerical results obtained using them are in this paper presented. 

One of the software packages using structured meshes solves 2D, time-dependent, viscous and resistive MGD flows. In this case, the numerical approach consists of an approximate Riemann solver coupled with the TVD scheme proposed by Yee. The eigensystem presented by Powell has also been used and the eigenvectors normalization has been carried out. The eigensystem introduced by Powell and the normalization of the eigenvectors presented by Zarachay et al. have also been used.
 
The second software package solves 3D, time-dependent, ideal MGD equations, using non-structured meshes. In this package, the numerical code uses a finite volume approach and for computing the hyperbolic fluxes, an algorithm based on an approximated Riemann solver together with a Harten-Yee TVD scheme is utilized. The algorithm employs a locally aligned coordinates system that allows the solution to the Riemann problems to be solved in a natural direction, normal to cell interfaces. The eight wave scheme for the MGD equations is also kept in mind for calculating the hyperbolic fluxes. 

To check accuracy, both computational codes have been applied in the simulation of a Riemann problem introduced by Brio and Wu. The results obtained are in good agreement with those reported by other authors. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-C4.P.4.10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-C4.P.4.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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