[FLASH-USERS] Inquiry on Implementing Sheared-Flow Z-Pinch Electrode Configuration in FLASH

[Cunbo Liu]

Dear FLASH Developers and Users,

I am currently working on modeling a Z-pinch in the 2D axisymmetric (r–z) geometry. In the default configuration, the axial (z) boundaries act as electrodes, voltage (current) is applied across them, and the return current flows through the radial boundary.

For my sheared-flow Z-pinch study, I am exploring an alternative electrode configuration:

Inner electrode as a cylindrical shape, located at a specified radius, as shown by the yellow region in the attached diagram.

Outer electrode located at the radial boundary.

Current flows radially outward, from the inner "mid-plate" to the edge.

Before modifying the source code, I would like to ask the community:

Is this electrode configuration supported within the current FLASH framework, or could it be approximated by modifying the existing rectangular boundaries to achieve the desired electrode geometry?

Could this setup be approximated by introducing non-evolving plasma species to emulate the electrode behavior?

If not directly supported, which routines or files would be best to modify?

Apologies if a similar question has been addressed—I wasn’t able to find one in the archive.
Any guidance or pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and support.


Best regards,
Cunbo Liu
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