A boundary layer model of energy transport at plasma-surface interfaces in railguns

Summary form only given. A 2-D turbulent steady-state computer code has been developed to analyze ablation and vapor shielding processes at plasma facing surfaces in railguns and electrothermal (ET) launchers. Due to the high plasma temperature and the high Reynolds number flow, both radiation transport and turbulence must be considered to accurately model energy transport to the surface. This system has been modeled using fluid boundary layer equations, including a two-equation (k-ϵ) model for turbulence and a constant magnetic field normal to the wall, coupled with thermal radiation transport. Numerical solution of the boundary layer equations follows the method of Patankar and Spalding. The code calculates the mass evolution rate at the surface and makes it possible to determine the relative importance of energy transport to the surface via radiation and turbulent convection.