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Hydromagnetic flow about a curved neutral sheet

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

M. Teske†  and
S. H. Lam
M. Teske†
Affiliation:
Gas Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences, Princeton University
S. H. Lam
Affiliation:
Gas Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences, Princeton University
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Abstract

The present paper examines the magnetic boundary layer along a curved interface between two opposing fluid streams carrying oppositely directed magnetic fields. This problem is known classically as the neutral sheet or X neutral-point problem. A formal two-dimensional theory is constructed that depends solely on the mechanism of magnetic diffusion and thus eliminates the need for any added MHD waves. This theory shows clearly the detailed structure of the neutral sheet boundary layer and, more importantly, the parametric dependence of the solution on free-stream parameters such as the magnetic Reynolds number and the Alfvén number. It is shown that a thin, powerful jet of high thermal and kinetic energy exists within the boundary layer. Sample numerical solutions are presented, and the various mathematical difficulties associated with this class of problems are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Plasma Physics , Volume 8 , Issue 1 , August 1972 , pp. 77 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1972

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References

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