Abstract
A simplified model of an ionized gas is discussed. This yields the conduction law for the moving gas, and reveals how the magnetic force on the gas is transmitted to the various particles present. The equations of magnetogasdynamics (MGD) are formulated, and the approximations implied are enumerated. The essence of MGD is in the mutual interactions of the flow pattern with the electromagnetic field. These interactions are discussed in turn, firstly, the effect of the flow on the field, and secondly, the effect of the field on the flow, i.e. the influence of the magnetic force on the motion. In incompressible flow the magnetic force only affects the motion if it is rotational and capable of altering the fluid's vorticity. Simple cases of vorticity suppression and creation are considered. In compressible flow there are the extra effects of electrical energy exchange and entropy creation by ohmic dissipation. These are explored in the case of quasi-one-dimensional steady MGD, where the tendency to choking is observed.
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