Electrostatic Kelvin--Helmholtz instability produced by a localized electric field perpendicular to an external magnetic field

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866187· OSTI ID:6690181

Pritchett, P L

The evolution of a plasma with a localized electric field perpendicular to an external magnetic field is shown to be dominated by the Kelvin--Helmholtz instability. For small ion gyroradius, the instability is similar to the fluid mode. When the ion gyroradius is an appreciable fraction of the spatial extent of the electric field, the plasma is not in equilibrium, and the initial drift profile relaxes. Subsequent evolution still leads to vortex flows.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
• OSTI ID: 6690181
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Vol. 30:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
PLASMA
ELECTRIC FIELDS
HELMHOLTZ INSTABILITY
VORTEX FLOW
EQUILIBRIUM
ION DRIFT
IONS
LARMOR RADIUS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
RELAXATION
CHARGED PARTICLES
FLUID FLOW
INSTABILITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
700107* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Instabilities