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At least 217 records · Page 12

Electron heating in superhigh Mach number shocks

Fluid and MHD models, as well as direct extrapolation of the earth's bow shock measurements in the high Mach number (HMN) range to the superhigh Mach number (SHMN) range predict that the downstream electron pressure is only a negligible fraction of the Rankine-Hugoniot downstream pressure. Following Alfven, plasma physics experimental-theoretical data combined with magnetospheric observations were used to probe the physics of the SHMN shocks. It is shown that inclusion of proper plasma physics considerations in the interaction of the reflected and transmitted ions and the electrons at the 'foot' of the shock leads to the surprising result that electron heating can dominate in the SHNM range. A stationary model of the shock structure is derived and shown to be the result of extrapolation of the high Mach number shock physics wiht incorporation of collective interactions at the foot.

Papadopoulos, K.↗

The role of high-speed plasma flows in plasmaspheric refilling

A model of time-dependent one-stream interhemispheric plasma flow is used to investigate plasmaspheric refilling. In the model the coupled time-dependent hydrodynamic equations (continuity, momentum and energy) of a two-ion, H(+) and O(+), quasi-neutral, currentless plasma are solved for a closed geomagnetic field line. For the present set of calculations an L = 2 field line was used. A steady state solution was found and used as the initial condition in subsequent simulations of the effect of density depletions. Density depletions were modeled by reducing the densities by an arbitrary factor above 2500 km altitude, while keeping the velocities and temperatures unchanged. Shock structures develop which move up the field line, meeting and reflecting at the equator. The reflected shocks are absorbed by the dense neutral atmosphere when they reach the model flux tube boundaries. After the upwelling streams collide, refilling occurs from the equator downward for 2 to 3 hours; thereafter there is steady refilling from the ionospheres upward.

Guiter, S. M.↗

Radiation from Accelerated Particles in Shocks and Reconnections

We have investigated particle acceleration and shock structure associated with an unmagnetized relativistic jets propagating into an unmagnetized plasmas. Strong magnetic fields generated in the trailing shock contribute to the electrons transverse deflection and acceleration. We have calculated, self-consistently, the radiation from electrons accelerated in the turbulent magnetic fields. We found that the synthetic spectra depend on the Lorentz factor of the jet, its thermal temperature and strength of the generated magnetic fields. The properties of the radiation may be important for understanding the complex time evolution and/or spectral structure in gamma-ray bursts, relativistic jets in general, and supernova remnants

Nishikawa, K.-I.↗

Effects of simulated flight on the structure and noise of underexpanded jets

Mean plume static and pitot pressures and far-field acoustic pressure were measured for an underexpanded convergent nozzle in simulated flight. Results show that supersonic jet mixing noise behaves in flight in the same way that subsonic jet mixing noise does. Regarding shock-associated noise, the frequencies of both screech and peak broadband shock noise were found to decrease with flight speed. The external flow determines the dominant screech mode over a wide range of nozzle pressure rations. Change in the screech mode strongly affects both the development of the downstream shock structure and the characteristic frequency of the broadband shock-associated noise. When no mode change occurs, the main effect of the external flow is to stretch the axial development of the shock cells.

Norum, T. D.↗

The physical mechanisms of subcritical collisionless shock-wave formation

The key process in shock wave formation is related to energy dissipation, and the nature of the operative dissipation mechanism determines the basic character of the resulting shock. In the case of collisionless plasmas, the primary problem consists in the identification of the processes which can provide the necessary dissipation in relatively short spatial scale lengths. The present investigation is concerned with the various collisionless dissipation mechanisms which can operate in weak shocks, taking into account the effects of different mechanisms on shock structure. Particular attention is given to a restricted class of quasi-perpendicular low beta low Mach number shocks. Such shocks are traditionally called 'laminar shocks'. Resistive shocks are considered along with subcritical shocks observed with the aid of the ISEE spacecraft.

Mellott, M. M.↗

On the dynamics of a shock-bubble interaction

We present a detailed numerical study of the interaction of a weak shock wave with an isolated cylindrical gas inhomogenity. Such interactions have been studied experimentally in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms whereby shock waves propagating through random media enhance mixing. Our study concentrates on the early phases of the interaction process which are dominated by repeated refractions of acoustic fronts at the bubble interface. Specifically, we have reproduced two of the experiments performed by Haas and Sturtevant : M(sub s) = 1.22 planar shock wave, moving through air, impinges on a cylindrical bubble which contains either helium or Refrigerant 22. These flows are modelled using the two-dimensional, compressible Euler equations for a two component fluid (air-helium or air-Refrigerant 22). Although simulations of shock wave phenomena are now fairly commonplace, they are mostly restricted to single component flows. Unfortunately, multi-component extensions of successful single component schemes often suffer from spurious oscillations which are generated at material interfaces. Here we avoid such problems by employing a novel, nonconservative shock-capturing scheme. In addition, we have utilized a sophisticated adaptive mesh refinement algorithm which enables extremely high resolution simulations to be performed relatively cheaply. Thus we have been able to reproduce numerically all the intricate mechanisms that were observed experimentally (e.g., transitions from regular to irregular refraction, cusp formation and shock wave focusing, multi-shock and Mach shock structures, jet formation, etc.), and we can now present an updated description for the dynamics of a shock-bubble interaction.

Quirk, James J.↗

Magnetic structure of the low beta, quasi-perpendicular shock

The structure of the low-beta quasi-perpendicular shock is examined in view of ISEE 1 and 2 magnetic field measurements. An analysis of shock overshoots indicates that the strength of the overshoots of low-beta, quasi-perpendicular shocks increases as the ratio of the Mach number to the first critical Mach number increases. Wave analysis indicates that the power of the downstream waves also increases as a function of this ratio of criticality. The thickness of the shock is a factor of 1-2 times greater than a precursor wavelength, countering the conjecture that the shock is the last amplified cycle of the precursor wave.

Farris, M. H.↗

Research study of space plasma boundary processes

Representation of the Earth's bow shock and magnetopause and their geometrically determined macrostructure was investigated. Computer graphic depictions of the global distributions of bow shock structures and elementary animation of the dynamics of those distributions in the changing solar wind were developed. The shock-foreshock boundary and subcritical bow shocks as observed by ISEE 1 and 2 are discussed.

Greenstadt, E. W.↗

Probing shock models of CH(+) formation

High-resolution, high SNR observations of CH and CH(+) toward Zeta Oph, Xi Per, and P Cyg are used to test several predictions of shock models of molecule formation. The predicted differences between the CH and HCH(+) heliocentric velocities of the magnitude produced by the shock theories are not found in any of the three stars. toward Zeta Oph and Xi Per, no difference is found, based on high-quality data, between the observed CH(+) lie profiles and a Gaussian function which would be expected as a result of shock structure. Gaussian line width parameters of CH(+) lines toward Zeta Oph and Xi Per are broad as predicted by shock models are consistent with previous measurements. These observations yield only weak evidence in favor of the predictions of shock models of molecule formation.

Hawkins, Isabel↗

On broadband shock associated noise of supersonic jets

The characteristics and generation mechanisms of noise associated with the interactions of turbulence with the quasi-periodic broadband shock cells of supersonic jet engines are reviewed. The noise possesses broadband spectra and directionality that are completely different from noise caused by turbulence. Experimental data have shown that broadband noise is most prominent in the forward arc, with peak frequencies being a function of the observation angle and the pressure mismatch in the engine. The noise originates in the engine as turbulence-shock interactions occur during downstream movement. Features of the phased point-source array model and the large turbulence structures-shock cells interaction model are defined and model predictions are compared with experimental data on noise sources. Only a scaling of the noise component is found to be currently possible. More complete characterization depends on consideration of the jet temperature and analysis of turbulence-shock interactions, broadband shock and screech tones and shock noise in several flow configurations.

Tam, C. K. W.↗

The plasma physics of shock acceleration

The history and theory of shock acceleration is reviewed, paying particular attention to theories of parallel shocks which include the backreaction of accelerated particles on the shock structure. The work that computer simulations, both plasma and Monte Carlo, are playing in revealing how thermal ions interact with shocks and how particle acceleration appears to be an inevitable and necessary part of the basic plasma physics that governs collisionless shocks is discussed. Some of the outstanding problems that still confront theorists and observers in this field are described.

Jones, Frank C.↗

Initial ISEE observations of the bow shock

ISEE 1 and 2 magnetic-field profiles across three terrestrial bow shock crossings are shown to illustrate the control of the bow shock structure and upstream waves by solar-wind conditions, especially by the direction of the interplanetary field. The quasi-perpendicular shocks examined have thicknesses of the order of a ion inertial length. Upstream waves observed for field directions of about 45 deg to the shock normal are observed to be carried back towards the bow shock by the solar wind, while propagating upstream at what appears to be the magnetosonic velocity. These studies are continuing.

Russell, C. T.↗

Nearfield observations of tones generated from supersonic jet flows

The physics of discrete tone generation (screech) from improperly expanded supersonic jets have been investigated experimentally. Both nearfield acoustic survey and phase-averaged schlieren flow visualization were conducted. The dominant mode of flow oscillation that occurred during intense screech and its coupling with the internal shock structure and external sound field were established. Deductions made from the observed coupling mechanism revealed the importance of Helmholtz number and shock cell spacing in the maintenance of screech. Measured amplitude variation of screech are compared with computed amplitude variation of the dominant instability. The results suggest that jet instability plays a direct role in the generation of screech.

Yu, J. C.↗

Analysis of turbulent underexpanded jets. I - Parabolized Navier-Stokes model, SCIPVIS

A new computational model (SCIPVIS) is described which predicts the multiple-cell wave/shock structure in underexpanded or overexpanded turbulent jets. SCIPVIS solves the parabolized Navier-Stokes jet-mixing equations utilizing a shock-capturing approach in supersonic regions of the jet and a pressure-split approach in subsonic regions. Turbulence processes are represented by the solution of compressibility-corrected two-equation turbulence models. SCIPVIS presently analyzes jets exhausting into a quiescent or supersonic external stream for which a single-pass spatial-marching solution can be obtained. The features of SCIPVIS are reviewed, and calculations are described exhibiting the influence of turbulence modelling, jet temperature, and flight velocity on the jet shock structure.

Dash, S. M.↗

Fluid dynamic modeling and numerical simulation of low-density hypersonic flow

The concept of a viscous shock-layer and several related versions of continuum theories/methods are examined for their adequacy as a viable framework to study flow physics and aerothermodynamics of relevance to sustained hypersonic flights. Considering the flat plate at angle of attack, or the wedge, as a generic example for the major aerodynamic component of a hypersonic vehicle, the relative importance of the molecular-transport effects behind the shock (in the form of the 'shock slip') and the wall-slip effects are studied. In the flow regime where the shock-transition-zone thickness remains small compared to the shock radius of curvature, a quasi-one-dimensional shock structure under the Burnett/thirteen-moment approximation, as well as particulate/collisional models, can be consistently developed. The fully viscous version of the shock-layer model is shown to provide the crucial boundary condition downstream the shock in this case. The gas-kinetic basis of the continuum description for the flow behind the bow shock, and certain features affecting the non-equilibrium flow chemistry, are also discussed.

Cheng, H. K.↗

Fully-coupled analysis of jet mixing problems. Part 1. Shock-capturing model, SCIPVIS

A computational model, SCIPVIS, is described which predicts the multiple cell shock structure in imperfectly expanded, turbulent, axisymmetric jets. The model spatially integrates the parabolized Navier-Stokes jet mixing equations using a shock-capturing approach in supersonic flow regions and a pressure-split approximation in subsonic flow regions. The regions are coupled using a viscous-characteristic procedure. Turbulence processes are represented via the solution of compressibility-corrected two-equation turbulence models. The formation of Mach discs in the jet and the interactive analysis of the wake-like mixing process occurring behind Mach discs is handled in a rigorous manner. Calculations are presented exhibiting the fundamental interactive processes occurring in supersonic jets and the model is assessed via comparisons with detailed laboratory data for a variety of under- and overexpanded jets.

Dash, S. M.↗