Investigation of thermo-magnetic effects in shock-driven MHD flows via similarity solutions

Abstract

This study presents a detailed analysis of the behavior of key physical variables in a non-ideal magnetogasdynamical (MHD) flow field behind a propagating shock front using similarity solutions. By employing a similarity transformation, the governing partial differential equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations, facilitating the investigation of flow properties such as velocity, density, pressure, heat flux, and magnetic field intensity. The graphical results reveal that the velocity decreases monotonically, while the density and magnetic field exhibit a parabolic trend-increasing initially, reaching a peak, and then decreasing. The pressure profile demonstrates a non-monotonic U-shaped behavior, indicating complex thermodynamic processes, and the heat flux increases steadily, signifying enhanced thermal conduction in the downstream region. These trends highlight the significant role of thermal conductivity and magnetic field interactions in shaping the post-shock flow structure. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of non-ideal effects in shock-driven MHD flows and are consistent with physical expectations in astrophysical and plasma environments.