Nonlinear evolution of hydromagnetic waves in the solar wind

Details Nonlinear evolution of hydromagnetic waves in the solar wind Nonlinear evolution of hydromagnetic waves in the solar wind

Feb 1981

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981jgr....86..535s&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 86, Feb. 1, 1981, p. 535-540.

Physics

10

Interplanetary Medium, Magnetohydrodynamic Waves, Nonlinear Equations, Shock Wave Propagation, Solar Wind Velocity, Coronal Holes, Linear Polarization, Plasma-Electromagnetic Interaction, Polarization (Waves), Radial Distribution

Scientific paper

The nonlinear evolution of linearly polarized, hydromagnetic waves propagating along the initial radial magnetic field in the solar wind is considered. Numerical solutions of the dissipationless, time-dependent equations of motion are used to study the steepening of the waves into hydromagnetic shocks and the subsequent propagation of the shocks. If the shocks propagate into a region in which the plasma beta (ratio of thermal to magnetic pressure) is greater than one, each shock splits into a second shock and a rotational discontinuity. It is shown that these secondary hydromagnetic shocks readily propagate through the rotational discontinuities without altering their structure. With increasing time the secondary hydromagnetic shocks propagate out ahead of the rotational discontinuities and become hydrodynamic shocks. Hence an initial packet of linearly polarized hydromagnetic waves ultimately evolves into a packet of rotational discontinuities preceded by a packet of hydrodynamic shocks. The conditions for which the waves steepen into shocks, the time required for shock formation, and further implications of the results in the solar wind are discussed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Nonlinear evolution of hydromagnetic waves in the solar wind 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 Nonlinear evolution of hydromagnetic waves in the solar wind, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nonlinear evolution of hydromagnetic waves in the solar wind will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1408048