Analysis of Dynamic Processes Occurring during Generation of Plasmoid Formations in a Supersonic Flow

Abstract

Plasmadynamic processes and rapid shock-wave processes accompanying the generation of plasma formation in a supersonic jet flow are analyzed on the basis of high-speed digital recording of images. We analyze (with a high time resolution) the dynamics of spherical plasmoid formation, discontinuities generated by it, and their action on the bow shock wave in front of the model. It is shown that during the plasmoid lifetime (about 100–120 μs), the regime of the supersonic flow past the model is modified: the shock layer is rearranged, and the departure of the bow wave from the symmetry axis substantially increases due to a change in the structure and parameters of the incoming flow.