A study of the propagation of ulf electromagnetic fields in collisional, inhomogeneous, magnetized plasmas
The propagation of ultralow-frequency (ulf) electromagnetic signals (Alfven and magnetosonic waves) in collisional, inhomogeneous, magnetized plasmas is analyzed by numerical simulation. The problem is formulated from a Maxwell-equation orbit-theory approach rather than from a magnetohydrodynamic point of view, and the problem is numerically treated in a fully time-dependent manner. Boundary-value-problem behavior is distinguished from initial-value-problem behavior. The propagation of two-dimensional small-amplitude electromagnetic disturbances in plasmas with spatially dependent densities and in plasmas with spatially dependent conductivities is numerically simulated, and when possible, the simulations are compared with theory. Changes in the plasma density lead to changes in the signal speed and to reflections; collisions lead to changes in the signal speed, to reflections, and to attenuations. Theoretical descriptions based upon discontinuities in the media are generally incorrect in predicting the amplitudes of signals reflected from plasma inhomogeneities. 19 refs., 16 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 7127427
- Report Number(s):
- LA-10839-MS; ON: DE87004768
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Propagation and reflection of finite amplitude ion acoustic solitons in inhomogeneous plasmas
Radial energy transport by magnetospheric ULF waves: Effects of magnetic curvature and plasma pressure
Related Subjects
ALFVEN WAVES
WAVE PROPAGATION
MAGNETOACOUSTIC WAVES
PLASMA WAVES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ATTENUATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA SIMULATION
REFLECTION
THEORETICAL DATA
DATA
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
SIMULATION
700108* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Wave Phenomena