Kinetic theory of magnetohydrodynamic Kelvin--Helmholtz instability

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.861620· OSTI ID:7266478

Ohsawa, Y; Nosaki, K; Hasegawa, A

The magnetohydrodynamic Kelvin--Helmholtz instability in a low ..beta.. collisionless plasma with smooth variations in plasma parameters across the boundary is studied. The surface Alfven wave which is excited by the Kelvin--Helmholtz instability is shown to be mode-converted to the kinetic Alfven wave (Alfven wave with finite ion Larmor radius and electron inertia correction). Linear and nonlinear effects of this kinetic Alfven wave on the Kelvin--Helmholtz instability are discussed. Because the resonant mode conversion enhances the wave amplitude, the nonlinear effect is manifested. In particular, the magnetic field pressure of the kinetic Alfven wave exerts acceleration on the plasma at the higher density side toward the lower density side and may cause the Rayleigh--Taylor instability at the boundary layer. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
• OSTI ID: 7266478
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 19:8; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
ALFVEN WAVES
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
FLUID MECHANICS
HELMHOLTZ INSTABILITY
HYDRODYNAMICS
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INSTABILITY
LOW-BETA PLASMA
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
WAVE PROPAGATION