Stability of a cometary ionosphere/ionopause including pressure effects

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/169117· OSTI ID:6479446

Mckenzie, J F; Axford, W I; Ershkovich, A I ^[1]

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1. Max-Planck-Institute fuer Aeronomie, Katlenburg-Lindau (Germany, F.R.) Tel Aviv Univ. (Israel)

The stability analysis by Ershkovich, McKenzie, and Axford of a cometary ionosphere/ionopause determined by ion-neutral friction is extended to include the effects of finite plasma pressure. It is shown that, from a formal viewpoint, the inclusion of pressure effects leaves intact the sufficient condition for instability. Application of the results to Comet Halley demonstrates that plasma pressure reduces the instability growth rate of the cavity and therefore that the boundary should not be expected to exhibit any significant mixing arising from overturning. The generalization to include plasma pressure is applicable to a wider range of physical parameters than is available at Halley and is of interest to other comets, particularly during periods of high solar activity. 12 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6479446
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 360; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COMETS
FLUID MECHANICS
HALLEY COMET
HYDRODYNAMICS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA PRESSURE
PRESSURE EFFECTS
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
STABILITY