Nonlinear evolution of the magnetohydrodynamic Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

Journal Article · Mon Sep 13 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.49.779· OSTI ID:7037561

Miura, A

Simulation of the magnetohydrodynamic Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in a compressible plasma shows that a super-Alfvenic shear flow parallel to the magnetic field develops into small eddies, which strongly compress, twist, and hence amplify the magnetic field, and that a sub-fast (magnetosonic) shear flow transverse to the magnetic field evolves into a fast shock. The anomalous viscosity due to the instability is important in understanding a viscous drag at the solar-wind--magnetosphere interface.

• Research Organization: Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
• OSTI ID: 7037561
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 49:11; ISSN PRLTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
AMPLIFICATION
COMPRESSIBILITY
DATA
DRAG
FLUID MECHANICS
GAIN
HELMHOLTZ INSTABILITY
HYDRODYNAMICS
INFORMATION
INSTABILITY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
NUMERICAL DATA
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
SHEAR
SHOCK WAVES
SIMULATION
THEORETICAL DATA
VISCOSITY