Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997aps..dppoto203s&link_type=abstract
American Physical Society, Division of Plasma Physics Meeting, November 17-21, 1997, abstract #oThaO203.
Physics
Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
One of the more plausible yet tractable models for turbulence in astrophysical plasmas such as the interstellar medium and solar wind is that of reduced MHD. In reduced MHD spatial gradients perpendicular to a large scale magnetic field are much more important than those along the field, and the plasma is approximated as being two dimensional. A salient characteristic of reduced MHD is the development of thin, intense current sheets on an eddy turnover time. The large current density in these sheets is most plausibly carried by electron drift relative to the ions at a drift speed v_d. This drift will enhance the high speed tail of the electron distribution relative to that of a current-free plasma. If the plasma contains a neutral atom or ion species, enhanced collisional excitation will occur in the current sheets. Radiative deexcitation of the atom or ion will then produce loss of energy from the plasma. The theory of reduced MHD may be used to obtain an expression for the electron drift speed, which depends on the characteristics of the host plasma as well as the amplitude, spatial scale, and initial conditions of the MHD turbulence. When vd ~ v_th, the thermal electron speed, enhanced electron collisional excitation may be an important process. I consider the importance of this process for various astrophysical plasmas. The mechanism may well be important in the interstellar molecular clouds in which stars form.
No associations
LandOfFree
Dissipation of Astrophysical Plasma Turbulence by Radiative Cooling 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 Dissipation of Astrophysical Plasma Turbulence by Radiative Cooling, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dissipation of Astrophysical Plasma Turbulence by Radiative Cooling will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1686570