Multi-phase shock simulations with smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)

Abstract

In this paper we present an approach to the implementation of a multi-phase description in the numerical Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method. The work is based on previous work, but has been modified to suit the applications of interest, in this case shock propagation through dusty gases. Theoretical models for multi-phase systems rely on the introduction of a number of terms describing the interaction between the different phases; drag and heat exchange are two examples. These terms contain parameters, the value of many of which must be determined empirically. We present results on the effect of changing values of some of the important parameters and compare our results to experimental and numerical results published in the literature. Our numerical results generally agree well with published results, taking uncertainties concerning accuracy in existing experimental data and details in the choice of parameters for numerical results into consideration. In particular, we find that a reduction in dust particle size is an efficient way of increasing shock retardation for a given dust loading.