Nonlinear dynamics of the ion Weibel-filamentation instability: An analytical model for the evolution of the plasma and spectral properties

Journal Article · Sun Mar 15 04:00:00 EDT 2015 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4913651· OSTI ID:22408175

Debayle, A. ^[1]; Bonnaud, G. ^[2]

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1. CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297 Arpajon (France)
2. CEA, Saclay, INSTN, F-91191 Gif-sur-Yvette (France)

We present a predictive model of the nonlinear phase of the Weibel instability induced by two symmetric, counter-streaming ion beams in the non-relativistic regime. This self-consistent model combines the quasilinear kinetic theory of Davidson et al. [Phys. Fluids 15, 317 (1972)] with a simple description of current filament coalescence. It allows us to follow the evolution of the ion parameters up to a stage close to complete isotropization, and is thus of prime interest to understand the dynamics of collisionless shock formation. Its predictions are supported by 2-D and 3-D particle-in-cell simulations of the ion Weibel instability. The derived approximate analytical solutions reveal the various dependencies of the ion relaxation to isotropy. In particular, it is found that the influence of the electron screening can affect the results of simulations using an unphysical electron mass.

• OSTI ID: 22408175
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 22; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION
COALESCENCE
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
COUNTER CURRENT
ELECTRONS
FILAMENTS
ION BEAMS
ISOTROPY
MASS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
RELAXATION
SYMMETRY
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS