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Nonlinear theory of the delB x B instability in weakly ionized plasmas

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
OSTI ID:5753243
The instability of a weakly ionized inhomogeneous plasma in a strong nonuniform magnetic field is investigated. By a particular scaling of the harmonics of the linearly unstable modes, an explicit calculation of the finite saturation amplitudes is performed. A nonlinear analysis shows the oscillating equilibrium states to be stable only in a subinterval of the linearly unstable wavenumbers. An alternative scaling of the harmonics establishes the validity of the results well into the unstable regime. There is excellent agreement with a previous numerical analysis by Shiau.
Research Organization:
Institute of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
OSTI ID:
5753243
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 25:2; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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