Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2009
A numerical method for simulating the temporal evolution of an ionizing MHD detonation, is presented, together with flow profiles for various combinations of imposed magnetic field and ionization temperature in the limit of large downstream conductivity. The propagation speeds asymptotically approach the values predicted by the jump relations and the MHD Chapman–Jouguet condition. The downstream flow approaches a self-similar solution. The wave evolution is discussed for situations where the Chapman–Jouguet and jump relations admit either no solution or multiple solutions.