NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
The ratio of specific heats for postshock plasmas of a detached bow shock - An MHD modelThe empirical relationship between the standoff distance of a detached bow shock (generated by the flow of a supersonic gas past an impenetrable obstacle), the size of the obstacle, the Mach number of the gas, and the ratio of specific heats has been generalized to include the magnetic field. The value of the ratio of specific heats (gamma-prime) in the postshock plasma has been calculated in terms of the preshock Alfvenic and sonic Mach numbers and orientation of the magnetic field. The empirical relationship is further generalized by taking into consideration the normal momentum and energy flux due to waves and/or turbulence and/or heat flow in association with high Mach number shocks. The computed value of gamma prime is substantially modified in comparison with that given by the MHD or the gas dynamic model. For this generalized model the computed gamma prime can be considered to be a more precise thermodynamic quantity, since the macroscopic parameters of the plasma have been separated out. Application of this empirical relationship to the earth's bow shock has been given.
Document ID
19750032578
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chao, J. K.
Wiskerchen, M. J.
(Arizona, University Tucson, Ariz., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1974
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 79
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
75A16650
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS2-7839
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-07024
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available