Effects of magnetization on an expanding high-enthalpy plasma jet in argon

The effects of magnetization on an expanding high-enthalpy plasma jet in argon are studied with a non-LTE model. The magnetic field is taken into account with a complete approach where the calculation of diffusion velocities, the electromagnetic field and the flow field are self-consistently coupled via the current density. Results of the simulations show that inside the plasma source there are no significant changes due to the magnetic field. However, in the expansion the magnetic field completely changes the appearance of the jet. Due to the magnetic field, shockwaves disappear and power dissipation not only takes place inside the source but also in the expansion region. (paper)