A time-dependent model for high-pressure discharges in narrow ablative capillaries

Abstract

A time-dependent quasi-one-dimensional model is developed for studying high- pressure discharges in ablative capillaries used, for example, as plasma sources in electrothermal launchers. The main features of the model are (i) consideration of ablation effects in each of the continuity, momentum and energy equations; (ii) use of a non-ideal equation of state; and (iii) consideration of space- and time-dependent ionization.