Abstract
We use a 2-D MHD FCT (flux corrected transport) code with Spitzer resistivity to simulate a rail launcher plasma armature. The energy equation includes Ohmic heating, radiation heat transport and the ideal gas equation of state, allowing for variable ionization using the Saha equations. We calculate rail ablation taking into account the flow of heat into the interior of the rails. We include skin drag in the turbulent boundary layer approximation. Our simulations show the development of secondary arcs and a buffer zone.< >
