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Title: Nonlinear interaction of proton whistler with kinetic Alfvén wave to study solar wind turbulence

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4849457· OSTI ID:22218336
;  [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi-110016 (India)
  2. NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, Code 673, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 (United States)
  3. Austrian Academy of Sciences, Space Research Institute, Schmiedlstrasse 6, 8042 Graz (Austria)

This paper presents the nonlinear interaction between small but finite amplitude kinetic Alfvén wave (KAW) and proton whistler wave using two-fluid model in intermediate beta plasma, applicable to solar wind. The nonlinearity is introduced by modification in the background density. This change in density is attributed to the nonlinear ponderomotive force due to KAW. The solutions of the model equations, governing the nonlinear interaction (and its effect on the formation of localized structures), have been obtained using semi-analytical method in solar wind at 1AU. It is concluded that the KAW properties significantly affect the threshold field required for the filament formation and their critical size (for proton whistler). The magnetic and electric field power spectra have been obtained and their relevance with the recent observations of solar wind turbulence by Cluster spacecraft has been pointed out.

OSTI ID:
22218336
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 20, Issue 12; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English