Kinetic theory of current and density drift instabilities with weak charged-neutral collisions

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA089iA01p00179· OSTI ID:6673656

Gary, S P

This paper describes the linear kinetic theory of electrostatic instabilities driven by a density gradient drift and a magnetic-field-aligned current in a plasma with weak charged neutral collisions. The configuration is that of a uniform magnetic field B = zB, a weak, uniform density gradient in the x direction and a weak, uniform electric field in the z direction. Collisions are represented by the BGK model. The transition from the (kinetic) universal density drift instability to the (fluidlike) current convective instability is studied in detail, and the short wavelength properties of the latter mode are investigated.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
• OSTI ID: 6673656
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 89:A1; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COLLISIONAL PLASMA
CONVECTIVE INSTABILITIES
DISPERSION RELATIONS
DRIFT INSTABILITY
ELECTRIC FIELDS
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES