Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Oct 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001aps..dppum1001r&link_type=abstract
American Physical Society, 43rd Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics October 29 - November 2, 2001 Long Beach, C
Physics
Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
In the astrophysical literature, it is often assumed that the plasma pressure is smaller than or comparable to the "turbulent pressure" (a ram pressure evaluated for the pulsation velocity). This situation is thought to be important in all the systems with fast radiative cooling. We show, however, that as soon as the plasma pressure becomes less than the turbulent pressure, a quick dissipation turns on, associated with small-scale shocks generated by the turbulence. The heat released in the shocks is radiated from the system and the process of the damping of the turbulence via the shocks continues. We show that the turbulent pressure falls very quickly to a level below the gas-kinetic pressure and, therefore, cannot substitute the real gas-kinetic pressure in restoring the "stiffness" of the cooled medium. Implications for the dynamics of astrophysical molecular clouds are discussed. We demonstrate that MHD turbulence is a better candidate in sustaining the stiffness of the plasma after it cools down. We discuss possible laboratory tests of these effects.
Remington Bruce A.
Ryutov Dmitri D.
No associations
LandOfFree
A comparison of turbulent pressure and real pressure in astrophysical settings 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 A comparison of turbulent pressure and real pressure in astrophysical settings, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A comparison of turbulent pressure and real pressure in astrophysical settings will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1104004