COLLISION-FREE PLASMAS
Abstract
IN THE CORONA REGIONS OF STARS THE RATIO OF THE MEAN FREE PATH FOR INTERPARTICLE COLLISION TO THE GYRO RADIUS BECOMES VERY LARGE. Under these conditions the transport processes in the plasma become dominated by plasma turbulence. This phenomenon can be described in terms of a kinetic theory of a random distribution of waves. The structure of a shock wave under these conditions has been considered. Even at densities as low as 100 particles per cc the thickness of such a shock wave should be very thin, less than 100 km. The effects of such a turbulent wave field on reducing the electrical conductivity has also been considered. It seems possible that appreciable diffusion of the magnetic field relative to the plasma could occur under some astronomical conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0254760
Entities
People
- Harry E. Petschek