Hall dynamics of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

Journal Article · Mon Mar 28 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Physical Review Letters; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.72.2033· OSTI ID:5072552

Huba, J D ^[1]

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1. Beam Physics Branch, Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375 (United States)

The nonlinear evolution of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in an inhomogeneous plasma is studied using a two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation code which includes the Hall term. This term is important when the thickness of the boundary layer is less than an ion inertial length. In comparison to the evolution of the instability based upon ideal MHD, the Hall term generates short wavelength turbulence which inhibits vortex formation, and introduces an asymmetry into the nonlinear evolution of the instability depending upon the sign of the vorticity.

• OSTI ID: 5072552
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review Letters; (United States) Vol. 72:13; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700340* -- Plasma Waves
Oscillations
& Instabilities-- (1992-)
ASYMMETRY
BOUNDARY LAYERS
DATA
FLUID MECHANICS
HELMHOLTZ INSTABILITY
HYDRODYNAMICS
INFORMATION
INHOMOGENEOUS PLASMA
INSTABILITY
LAYERS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
NUMERICAL DATA
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
SIMULATION
SPACE
THEORETICAL DATA
TURBULENCE
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VORTICES