Open AccessA Method to Simulate Linear Stability of Impulsively Accelerated Density Interfaces in Ideal-MHD and Gas Dynamics
Author(s) -
Ravi Samtaney
Publication year - 2009
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/950506
Subject(s) - magnetohydrodynamics , eulerian path , mechanics , richtmyer–meshkov instability , convergence (economics) , instability , shock (circulatory) , stability (learning theory) , physics , classical mechanics , linear stability , nonlinear system , statistical physics , computer science , plasma , medicine , lagrangian , quantum mechanics , machine learning , economic growth , economics , mathematical physics
We present a numerical method to solve the linear stability of impulsively accelerated density interfaces in two dimensions such as those arising in the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability. The method uses an Eulerian approach, and is based on an unwind method to compute the temporally evolving base state and a flux vector splitting method for the perturbations. The method is applicable to either gas dynamics or magnetohydrodynamics. Numerical examples are presented for cases in which a hydrodynamic shock interacts with a single or double density interface, and a doubly shocked single density interface. Convergence tests show that the method is spatially second order accurate for smooth flows, and between first and second order accurate for flows with shocks