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Field structure of collapsing wave packets in 3D strong Langmuir turbulence

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
A simple model is constructed for the electric fields in the collapsing wave packets found in 3D simulations of driven and damped isotropic strong Langmuir turbulence. This model, based on a spherical-harmonic decomposition of the electrostatic potential, accounts for the distribution of wave-packet shapes observed in the simulations, particularly the predominance of oblate wave packets. In contrast with predictions for undamped and undriven subsonic collapse of scalar fields, oblate vector-field wave packets do not flatten during collapse but, instead, remain approximately self-similar and rigid.
Research Organization:
Department of Astrophysical, Planetary and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309
OSTI ID:
6067614
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 62:18; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English