Two-Dimensional Modeling of Ideal Merging Plasma Jets

TL;DR

This paper models the merging of plasma jets in two dimensions using gas dynamic and MHD simulations, revealing extremely high pressures, densities, and magnetic fields during jet interactions, with implications for plasma physics research.

Contribution

It introduces a 2D simulation approach for ideal plasma jet merging, incorporating radiation effects and demonstrating the potential for achieving high densities and magnetic fields.

Findings

Peak pressures reach several hundred kilobar.

Densities and magnetic fields can be amplified by ~1000 times.

High Mach number jets produce significant compression and magnetic field intensification.

Abstract

Idealized merging argon plasma jets are simulated in 2D using both gas dynamic and MHD models. Results indicate that peak pressures of several hundred kilobar can be achieved for high Mach number jets. Including a simple optically thin Brehmstrahlung radiation model and plasma targets shows that extremely high densities and magnetic fields can be achieved during jet merging on the order of ~1000 times the initial density/field. Further investigations should include detailed ionization processes and more accurate radiation modeling to properly capture the radiation transport and subsequent target compression.