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Collisional effects on the Weibel instability

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866305· OSTI ID:6678735
The effects of electron Rutherford scattering on the Weibel instability are investigated using the implicit plasma simulation code Ve-smcapsn-smcapsu-smcapss-smcaps (J. Comput. Phys. 46, 271 (1982); 63, 434 (1986)). Collisions decrease the Weibel growth rate below the collisionless value, in agreement initially with simple linear theory. Likewise, collisions decrease the saturation level, in agreement with a magnetic trapping mechanism. When the collision rate exceeds the collisionless Weibel growth rate, the instability is suppressed altogether. The results provide benchmarks for analysis of proposed short-wavelength laser-fusion schemes.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
OSTI ID:
6678735
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 30:4; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English