A finite volume implementation of an approximate Riemann solver for MHD

Summary form only given. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations model the time evolution of plasmas and other conducting magnetofluids. Applications include electric plasma propulsion, magnetic confinement devices, and pulsed power generators. The MHD model is a set of mixed hyperbolic and parabolic equations. The hyperbolic component of the equations can be expressed in conservative form and suggests the use of an approximate Riemann solver to accurately track the wave behavior. The algorithm that will be described uses Roe-type approximate Riemann solver with a finite volume implementation. Finite volume grids are ideally suited for modeling complicated 3D geometries. The finite volume implementation defines a coordinate system that is locally aligned with the cell interface. Working in the coordinate system simplifies the calculation of the flux vector.