Alternative formulations of magnetospheric plasma electrodynamics
The fundamental equations of magnetospheric plasma electrodynamics are considered from a theoretical standpoint that stresses the basic equivalence of various seemingly different formal representations. The mathematical properties of vector fields are reviewed, and their implications in electrodynamics are studied. The irrotational and solenoidal parts of the electric field are associated with two physically distinct types of sources. Relativistic covariance and gauge invariance in electromagnetic theory are reviewed and discussed in the context of an approach in which the mathematical properties of vector fields are taken as primary concepts. Special attention is given to the use and interpretation of the Coulomb gauge potential functions. This choice of gauge is sometimes regarded with undue suspicion, possible because of a certain paradox concerning causality. The paradox is discussed and resolved. Useful properties of the Coulomb gauge are identified. These need not be limited to the case of slow time variations and can extend beyond the limits of validity of ideal MHD theory.
- Research Organization:
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson Texas 75080
- OSTI ID:
- 6836897
- Journal Information:
- Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States) Vol. 19:1; ISSN RGPSB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRODYNAMICS
FLUID MECHANICS
GAUGE INVARIANCE
HYDRODYNAMICS
INVARIANCE PRINCIPLES
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MAGNETOSPHERE
MECHANICS
PLASMA
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
VECTOR FIELDS