One-dimensional Vlasov simulations of Langmuir solitons

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.871045· OSTI ID:124762

Lin, C; Chao, J K ^[1]; Cheng, C Z ^[2]

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1. Institute of Space Science, National Central University, Chung-Li, Taiwan 32054 (Taiwan, Province of China)
2. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)

Interactions of Langmuir solitons with plasma are simulated using a one-dimensional electrostatic Vlasov code, including both electrons and ions. The Zakharov`s solutions are used as initial conditions. The wave is found to transfer energy into electrons during the heating process due to the interaction of resonant electrons with high-frequency electric fields. For {ital T}{sub {ital e}}{much_gt}{ital T}{sub {ital i}}, the temporal evolution of the electron distribution function shows different heating behaviors depending on whether the electrons are interacting with a single soliton or many solitons. In single-soliton interactions, the final electron distribution function approaches an exponential form, {ital f}({ital v}){proportional_to}exp({minus}6{ital v}/{ital v}{sub {ital te}}). However, for multisoliton interactions, the final stage of the heated electrons establishes a power-law distribution function, {ital f}({ital v}){proportional_to}{ital v}{sup {minus}4}, which agrees with that of Gorev and Kingsep [Sov. Phys. JETP {bold 39}, 1008 (1974)]. Simulation results for soliton motion show strong ion Landau damping, such that the solitons dissipated quickly when {ital T}{sub {ital i}}={ital T}{sub {ital e}}. Analyses indicate that nonlinear damping of Langmuir solitons by thermal ions for {ital v}{sub {ital g}}{le}{ital v}{sub {ital ti}} plays the most important role in slowing down the moving solitons. A double-hump structure was also found in the near-sonic soliton motion. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.

• OSTI ID: 124762
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 2; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
BOLTZMANN-VLASOV EQUATION
LANGMUIR FREQUENCY
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA SIMULATION
SOLITONS
WAVE PROPAGATION