Solution of the plasma equation in plane parallel geometry with a Maxwellian source

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866328· OSTI ID:6766463

Bissell, R C; Johnson, P C

The plasma equation for a warm collisionless plasma with a Maxwellian particle source is solved in plane parallel geometry. The generalized Bohm criterion is used to identify the plasma--sheath boundary. This kinetic treatment, in common with fluid and cold-ion kinetic models, results in an infinite electric field at the sheath edge. This is in sharp contrast to results from a previous warm-ion kinetic model, by Emmert et al. (Phys. Fluids 23, 803 (1980)), which gave a finite electric field at the sheath edge. Also, the presheath potential given by the present model is greater than that given by Emmert and is in better agreement with fluid results.

• Research Organization: Culham Laboratory, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB, United Kingdom
• OSTI ID: 6766463
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 30:3; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
BOHM CRITERION
BOLTZMANN STATISTICS
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
ELECTRON SOURCES
EQUATIONS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INTEGRAL EQUATIONS
ION SOURCES
KINETIC EQUATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PARTICLE SOURCES
PLASMA
PLASMA DRIFT
PLASMA SHEATH
RADIATION SOURCES
SINGULARITY