Simulation Tool for Modeling Weakly Ionized Plasma

ABSTRACT: During this work Tech-X Corporation in partnership with George Washington University will develop a tool (Nautilus) for modeling weakly ionized plasmas. Specific tasks of this project include development of a reacting multi-fluid electrostatic code to complement the electromagnetic two-fluid model already in Nautilus. In addition we will be adding a reacting multi-fluid magneto-gasdynamic model that can be used to model many aero-plasma type phenomena with magnetic fields. An experimental program lead by George Washington University will be pursued to test various blackout mitigation techniques and these experiments will be used to validate the new tool. At the end of the project Tech-X Corporation will have a validated user friendly tool for modeling weakly ionized plasmas. BENEFIT: This work benefits the Air Force in that a commercial off the shelf tool will be available to model many aero-plasma problems including blackout mitigation, flow control and electric propulsion. In the commercial realm the technology will be applicable to biomedical plasmas as well as many traditional plasma disciplines such as plasma processing and pulsed power. The availability of this tool will save the Air Force money as engineers can focus on modeling instead of tool development.