Plasma Physics Modeling

         Plasma Opening Switches

         NumerEx has used a variety of simulations delveloped in-house and elsewhere to gain insight in the workings of plasma opening switches. These including the Magnetically Injected plasma opening switch and the Current Toggled plasma opening switch.

        Rail Guns

         NumerEx has modeled the radiatively-driven ablation of wall material, allowing the first self-consistent prediction of the total mass of the arc plasma to be made. The simulations were also the first to reveal a convective flow pattern in the arc driven by a transverse density gradient and the arc/projectile acceleration.

         Anode Layer Thruster

         NumerEx has experience simulating plasma hall thrusters, including the Russian Stationary Plasma Thruster and the Anode Layer Thruster.  These thrusters are candidates for satellite station-keeping because of their high specific impulse, compact size, high payload mass fractions, and long life.

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