Experiments on current-driven three-dimensional ion sound turbulence. Part II: Wave dynamics

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.862085· OSTI ID:5173744

Stenzel, R L

A fast electron beam is injected into an essentially collisionless magnetoplasma. The beam current closes via a field-aligned return current which drives an ion acoustic instability. The observed frequency spectrum is close to that predicted by renormalized turbulence theory. Three-dimensional cross-correlation measurements exhibit a wave vector spectrum extending in magnitude to klambda/sub D/> or approx. =1 and covering in direction a half-space centered around the electron drift. Propagation of phase coherent test waves confirm the three-dimensional character of the instability but also indicate the presence of ion drifts. These can arise from ion trapping in observed large amplitude off-resonant beat modes generated by two obliquely propagating unstable ion acoustic waves.

• Research Organization: TRW Systems, Redondo Beach, California 90278
• OSTI ID: 5173744
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 21:1; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
700108 -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Wave Phenomena
BEAM INJECTION
BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
DISTURBANCES
ELECTRON BEAM INJECTION
INSTABILITY
ION ACOUSTIC WAVES
ION WAVE INSTABILITY
ION WAVES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA WAVES
TURBULENCE
WAVE PROPAGATION