Finite amplitude Alfven waves in a multi-ion plasma: Propagation, acceleration, and heating

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA087iA07p05023· OSTI ID:7057254

Isenberg, P A; Hollweg, J V

We derive an expression for the wave action flux of finite amplitude Alfven waves in a multi-ion plasma. The expression is valid in the presence of dissipative forces and allows an arbitrary angle between the average mangetic field and the wave vector. Aplying the conservation of wave action and the first law of thermodynamics yields the following results for a multi-ion plasma: (1) an expression for the spatial evolution of Alfven wave amplitude in the absence of dissipation. (2) the relationship between the wave amplitude and the dissipative heating, and (3) an expression for the acceleration of an ion species by finite amplitude Alfven waves. The acceleration consists of two terms: a nondissipative wave pressure that is identical to that derived previously under more restrictive conditions, and a new term giving the acceleration that must accompany dissipative heating. These results are discussed in the context of the observations of heavy ions in the solar wind.

• Research Organization: Space Science Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824
• OSTI ID: 7057254
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 87:A7; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700108* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Wave Phenomena
ACCELERATION
ALFVEN WAVES
HEATING
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
PLASMA
PLASMA HEATING
SPACE DEPENDENCE
WAVE FORCES
WAVE PROPAGATION