The Richtmyer-Meshkov instability of a double-layer interface in convergent geometry with magnetohydrodynamics

Abstract

The interaction between a converging cylindrical shock and double density interfaces in the presence of a saddle magnetic field is numerically investigated within the framework of ideal magnetohydrodynamics. Three fluids of differing densities are initially separated by the two perturbed cylindrical interfaces. The initial incident converging shock is generated from a Riemann problem upstream of the first interface. The effect of the magnetic field on the instabilities is studied through varying the field strength. It shows that the Richtmyer-Meshkov and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities are mitigated by the field, however, the extent of the suppression varies on the interface which leads to non-axisymmetric growth of the perturbations. The degree of asymmetry of the interfacial growth rate is increased when the seed field strength is increased.