Simulation study of the role of ion kinetics in low-frequency wave train evolution

Physics – Fluid Dynamics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

50

Circular Polarization, Fluid Dynamics, Fourier Series, Magnetic Fields, Magnetohydrodynamics, Solar Wind, Waveforms, Computerized Simulation, Eigenvalues, Gyrofrequency, Landau Damping, Low Frequencies, Plasma Pressure, Stability

Scientific paper

The evolution of uniform, parallel propagating, low-frequency (less than or approx. ion cyclotron) wave trains is followed with a one-dimensional hybrid numerical code with fluid electrons and particle ions. We show that moderate amplitude (delta B/B less than 1/2) wave trains give instabilities and saturated states which differ completely from pure fluid evolution. This is most clearly seen when beta greater than 1 and instability exists for wavenumbers both below and above the wavenumber of an inital, left-handed wave train or pump wave. For corresponding parameters a fluid theory gives only a narrow range of instability above the pump wavenumber where decay and beat instabilities can occur. in simulations wave energy inverse cascades to smaller wavenumbers and into a greater number of forward than backward going waves. In fluids energy by decay goes mostly to backward ones of smaller wavenumber, and energy by beat goes mostly to forward ones of larger wavenumber. Neither fluid instability explains simulation results. The instability is saturated by thermalizing ions and sometimes exciting small wavenumber electrostatic or acoustic modes. In contrast, saturation in fluids first occurs by generating the harmonics of the growing linear modes. Harmonic generation is mostly absent in simulations. Simulations are carried out to long times and mostly reach a limit beyond which no further significant evolution can occur. Application to Alfvenic fluctuations in the solar wind is discussed.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Simulation study of the role of ion kinetics in low-frequency wave train evolution does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Simulation study of the role of ion kinetics in low-frequency wave train evolution, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Simulation study of the role of ion kinetics in low-frequency wave train evolution will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1635351

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.