Numerical model of time-dependent hydrodynamic flows with mass loading

We study the influence of mass loading on the formation of shocks employing a time-dependent hydrodynamic model. Numerical examples illustrate in which way the formation and propagation of shocks in the plasma is affected by variations of the ionization rate (due to changes of solar wind parameters or of neutral gas production). It is found that mass loading may be an efficient mechanism to prevent the formation of discontinuities in hydrodynamic flows.