Nonlocal theory of periodic density drift instabilities

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA088iA02p00938· OSTI ID:5987869

Bernhardt, P A; Thomsen, M F; Gary, S P

The nonlocal theory of electrostatic density drift instabilities is developed for an arbitrary, periodic variation in plasma density. Linear Vlasov theory is applied to Fourier series representations of the plasma density, and the resulting equations are solved numerically. The growth rates of the universal drift instability are compared by using local and nonlocal theories. It is demonstrated that the local theory is inadequate if the nonlocal eigenfunctions of the electrostatic modes have significant amplitude over sptial regions wider than the regions of large plasma density gradients. Nonlocal effects can enhance wave-particle of a triangular-shaped variation and reduce wave-particle dissipation of a square-shaped irregularity.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 5987869
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 88:A2; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BOLTZMANN-VLASOV EQUATION
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DIFFUSION
DRIFT INSTABILITY
EIGENFUNCTIONS
EQUATIONS
FUNCTIONS
INSTABILITY
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA WAVES