Three-dimensional structure of an isothermal supersonic Ar: Cs plasma stream under conditions of strong MHD interaction

Braking by means of a magnetic field of a supersonic, isothermal Ar: Cs plasma is studied. The experimental conditions are such that a linear shock wave is created in a channel. The change in the flow structure associated with the appearance of the shock wave is considered in detail. The change in the Mach number in the channel due to electrodynamic braking is found in terms of the measured values of the pressure and of the flow and field components. Questions related to the existence of weak oblique shock waves connected with the concentration of current at the boundaries of the electrodes are discussed. An estimate is given for the effect of the degree of partitioning on the excitation of the flow in the oblique shock waves.