Semi-implicit magnetohydrodynamic calculations

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Comput. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9991(87)90186-0· OSTI ID:6604224

Schnack, D D; Barnes, D C; Mikic, Z; Harned, D S; Caramana, E J

A semi-implicit algorithm for the solution of the nonlinear, three-dimensional, resistive MHD equations in cylindrical geometry is presented. The specific model assumes uniform density and pressure, although this is not a restriction of the method. The spatial approximation employs finite differences in the radial coordinate, and the pseudo-spectral algorithm in the periodic poloidal and axial coordinates. A leapfrog algorithm is used to advance wave-like terms; advective terms are treated with a simple predictor--corrector method. The semi-implicit term is introduced as a simple modification to the momentum equation. Dissipation is treated implicitly. The resulting algorithm is unconditionally stable with respect to normal modes. A general discussion of the semi-implicit method is given, and specific forms of the semi-implicit operator are compared in physically relevant test cases. Long-time simulations are presented. copyright 1987 Academic Press, Inc.

• Research Organization: Applied Plasma Physics and Technology Division, Science Applications International Corporation, La Jolla, California 92038
• OSTI ID: 6604224
• Journal Information: J. Comput. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Comput. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 70:2; ISSN JCTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640430* -- Fluid Physics-- Magnetohydrodynamics
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ALFVEN WAVES
ALGORITHMS
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
MECHANICS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS