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Kelvin--Helmholtz instability in supersonic and super-Alfvenic fluids

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
OSTI ID:5453170
A magnetohydrodynamic particle code is used to simulate highly nonlinear stages of the Kelvin--Helmholtz instability. Without a magnetic field, a supersonic flow with sonic Mach number M/sub s/ creates a stream of vortices which turn into a series of structured shock fronts with shock angle sin/sup -1/ (1/M/sub s/). With a magnetic field, a super-Alfvenic flow results in substantial bending of the magnetic field lines.
Research Organization:
Department of Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
OSTI ID:
5453170
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 23:5; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English