Non-linear analysis of partially ionized Richtmyer-Meshkov instability*

Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) occurs when a perturbed density interface between different fluids is impulsively accelerated by a shock wave. It has been noticed that regardless of the direction of the shock wave propagation, the perturbed interface between two fluids of different densities is unstable in RM. Complex non-equilibrium processes such as dissociation and ionization can influence RMI. In the present work, we investigate the effects of partially or fully ionized plasma on the RMI using two-dimensional nonlinear simulations in planar geometry with a two-component ion-neutral model. In addition, we investigate the effect of Mach numbers and magnetic fields on the ionization process.