2D hybrid simulations of super-diffusion at the magnetopause driven by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

Cowee, Misa M; Winske, Dan; Gary, S Peter

doi:10.1029/2009JA014222

2D hybrid simulations of super-diffusion at the magnetopause driven by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Journal of Geophysical Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JA014222· OSTI ID:962331

Cowee, Misa M ^[1]; Winske, Dan ^[1]; Gary, S Peter ^[1]

Los Alamos National Laboratory

This manuscript describes the self-consistent simulation of diffusion at the magnetopause driven by Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability. Two-dimensional hybrid (kinetic ions, fluid electrons) simulations of the most KH-unstable configuration where the shear flow is oriented perpendicular to the uniform magnetic field are carried out. The motion of the simulation particles are tracked during the run and their mean-square displacement normal to the magnetopause is calculated from which diffusion coefficients are determined. The diffusion coefficients are found to be time dependent, with D{sub x} {proportional_to} t{sup {alpha}}, where {alpha} > 1. Additionally, the probability distribution functions (PDF) of the 'jump lengths' the particles make over time are found to be non-gaussian. Such time-dependent diffusion coefficients and non-gaussian PDF's have been associated with so-called 'super-diffusion', in which diffusive mixing of particles is enhanced over classical diffusion. The results indicate that while turbulence associated with the break-down of vortices contributes to this enhanced diffusion, it is the growth of large-scale, coherent vortices is the more important process in facilitating it.

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Research Organization:: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

Sponsoring Organization:: DOE

DOE Contract Number:: AC52-06NA25396

OSTI ID:: 962331

Report Number(s):: LA-UR-09-01442; LA-UR-09-1442

Journal Information:: Journal of Geophysical Research, Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; ISSN 0148-0227

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
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2D hybrid simulations of super-diffusion at the magnetopause driven by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

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