Application of a New Numerical Solver to the Simulation of MPD Flows

This paper describes the application of a new scheme, that was developed for the solution of the MHD equations, to simulate magnetoplasma-dynamic thruster (MPDT) flows. In this scheme, the entire set of flow and field equations are solved in a self-consistent conservation form, using accu-rate characteristics-splitting techniques which have been proven to be effective in computational fluid dynamics. Further improvements to the physical model, such as the inclusion of real equation of state, anomalous transport and multi-temperature effects, are essential for the realistic simulation magneto-plasmadynamic flows, and are implemented without affecting the underlying scheme. The solver, includ-ing the improved physical model, is then used to Research supported by NASA-JPL’s Advanced Propulsio