Large-amplitude hydromagnetic waves in collisionless relativistic plasma: exact solution for the fast-mode magnetoacoustic wave

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/160690· OSTI ID:6029013

Barnes, A

We have found an exact nonlinear solution of the relativistic kinetic and electrodynamic equations (in their hydromagnetic limit), which describes the large-amplitude fast-mode magnetoacoustic wave propagating normal to the magnetic field in a collision less, previously uniform, plasma. A wave of this kind will be generated by transverse compression of any collisionless plasma. The solution is essentially independent of the detailed form of the particle momentum distribution functions. The solution is obtained, in part, by the method of characteristics; the wave exhibits the familiar properties of steepening and shock formation. The ultrarelativistic limit of this wave is analyzed in detail.

• OSTI ID: 6029013
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 265:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
MAGNETOACOUSTIC WAVES
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION
ELECTRODYNAMICS
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
KINETIC EQUATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
RELATIVITY THEORY
WAVE PROPAGATION
EQUATIONS
FIELD THEORIES
FLUID MECHANICS
GENERAL RELATIVITY THEORY
HYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA
700108* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Wave Phenomena