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Nonlinear hydromagnetic wave evolution in the solar wind

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4151301
In nonlinear hydromagnetic theory, an arbitrary fluctuation propagating along the mean field direction steepens into shocks and evolves subsequently into a purely Alfvenic fluctuation of lower mean energy density. A class of smoothly varying initial fluctuations evolves into rotational discontinuities. For parameters appropriate to the solar wind, the time scale for conversion into Alfvenic fluctuations is, at most, of the order of the time for waves to travel 1 AU. The energy dissipated in the process may account for an appreciable fraction of the observed ion thermal-energy density at 1 AU. (auth)
Research Organization:
Princeton Univ., NJ
NSA Number:
NSA-33-008142
OSTI ID:
4151301
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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