Comparison of weakly and strongly nonlinear wave evolution in a dispersive plasma
Journal Article
·
· Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)
- Maryland Univ., College Park (United States)
An investigation of the evolution of strongly nonlinear, low frequency (ion gyrofrequency), parallel propagating wave packets in a dispersive, collisionless, and low beta(= 8piP/B-squared = 0.3) plasma is undertaken using a hybrid numerical code. These strongly nonlinear wave packets have a transverse magnetic field strength, or wave amplitude, which is of order or greater the field strength along the direction of propagation, and their evolution can differ qualitatively from that of weakly nonlinear packets. The development of spreading fast wave (right helicity) and rarefraction regions competes strongly with steepening, and leads to a long time waveform which differs greatly from that for weak nonlinearity. Results are used to suggest that strongly nonlinear wave evolution occurs frequently in the earth's foreshock. 18 refs.
- OSTI ID:
- 6994035
- Journal Information:
- Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 19:20; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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