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The approximation of two‐fluid plasma flow with explicit upwind scemes
Author(s) -
Schneider R.,
Munz C.D.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
international journal of numerical modelling: electronic networks, devices and fields
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.249
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1099-1204
pISSN - 0894-3370
DOI - 10.1002/jnm.1660080603
Subject(s) - plasma , physics , riemann problem , riemann hypothesis , conservation law , boundary value problem , boundary (topology) , riemann solver , classical mechanics , mechanics , mathematics , mathematical analysis , quantum mechanics , finite volume method
A non‐stationary longitudinal model of a thermal two‐component plasma is investigated with numerical methods based on so‐called high‐resolution schemes. The inhomogeneous model system is solved numerically applying a splitting method, where the homogeneous conservation laws for the electrons and ions are approximated by explicit Godunov‐type schemes. Coupling of both plasma components is achieved by the electric field, which is also calculated in an explicit manner after reformulating Coulomb's law. A new numerical method is proposed for the expansion of the plasma into the vacuum. This tracking method is based on the solution of the vacuum Riemann problem and avoids the difficulties of numerical approximation introduced by the vacuum where the longitudinal plasma model is not valid. This new approach of tracking resolves sharply the plasma vacuum interface and captures this boundary very well during the temporal evolution of the model system. Two test problems show the interplay, the quality and properties of the approximation methods applied.