Modeling of the Plasma Flow in Coaxial Channels of Different Diameters

Abstract

Mathematical modeling of a plasma flow in coaxial channels with different outer electrode diameters is considered. A numerical model for determining the distribution of density, velocity, and magnetic fields in a channel is proposed based on the system of differential equations describing the mass, momentum, and energy conservation laws. Computational experiments show that depending on the outer electrode diameter, the location of the region of elevated density and velocity field changes, leading to variation of the time of emergence of the main mass of the plasma from the channel, as well as its value and velocity. For complex assessment of these parameters, the plasma momentum in the output cross section is calculated. The performed analysis demonstrates the existence of an optimal value of the outer electrode diameter, for which the maximal magnitude of the momentum is achieved.