Kinetic models of two-dimensional plane and axially symmetric current sheets: Group theory approach

Journal Article · Fri Feb 15 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4792263· OSTI ID:22113425

Vasko, I. Y.; Artemyev, A. V. ^[1]; Popov, V. Y. ^[1]; Malova, H. V. ^[1]

---

1. Space Research Institute, RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation)

In this paper, we present new class of solutions of Grad-Shafranov-like (GS-like) equations, describing kinetic plane and axially symmetric 2D current sheets. We show that these equations admit symmetry groups only for Maxwellian and {kappa}-distributions of charged particles. The admissible symmetry groups are used to reduce GS-like equations to ordinary differential equations for invariant solutions. We derive asymptotes of invariant solutions, while invariant solutions are found analytically for the {kappa}-distribution with {kappa}=7/2. We discuss the difference of obtained solutions from equilibria widely used in other studies. We show that {kappa} regulates the decrease rate of plasma characteristics along the current sheet and determines the spatial distribution of magnetic field components. The presented class of plane and axially symmetric (disk-like) current sheets includes solutions with the inclined neutral plane.

• OSTI ID: 22113425
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 20, Issue 2; Other Information: (c) 2013 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AXIAL SYMMETRY
CHARGED PARTICLES
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUILIBRIUM
GROUP THEORY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MATHEMATICAL SOLUTIONS
PLASMA
SIMULATION
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
SYMMETRY GROUPS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS