Hybrid plasma model simulations of a plasma opening switch

Plasma models have regimes of validity that depend on local parameters. In some problems a computationally-expensive, high-fidelity model is required in a small subset of the domain while lower-cost reduced models can adequately describe the plasma behavior everywhere else. Partitioning the domain and using the simplest plasma model that is locally valid can maintain global physical fidelity while improving computational efficiency. This research investigates the coupling between MHD and two-fluid plasma models using a physics-based domain-decomposition. Comparisons are made on the accuracy and performance of using a hybrid plasma model versus a single conventional plasma model on the planar plasma opening switch. The models used are allowed to change to lower or higher fidelity models to adjust to the shifting regions of local validity as the plasma evolves. The setup consists of a low density background and a high density bulk plasma with a large density gradient, leading to instabilities which are not captured by MHD models. Elsewhere however, MHD models provide sufficient accuracy. A perpendicular magnetic field is then added to investigate changes in the plasma propagation and stability properties.