LOCAL MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC INSTABILITIES IN A COLLISIONLESS PLASMA WITH ANISOTROPIC PRESSURE
Abstract
The local magnetohydrodynamic stability of static equilibrium states in a collisionless plasma in a magnetic field with anisotropic pressure is discussed by using an energy principle. The discussion is mainly limited to one class of static equilibrium states. In this class the difference between the components of the pressure perpendicular and parallel to the magnetic field is proportional, along each field line, to the square of the magnetic field strength. For each equilibrium state in this class it is possible to define an associated equilibrium state with isotropic pressure, in terms of which the possible equilibrium states can be complete discussed. It is also shown that the stability of any anisotropic equilibrium state can conveniently be discussed in terms of the stability of its associated isotropic state. Complete conditions for stability are found for the uniform equilibrium state. The additional complications that are introduced by nonuniformity of the equilibrium state can be completely understood from the associated isotropic state. Certain comparison theorems for nonuniform equilibrium states are found and, finally, a class of nonuniform equilibrium states with straight field lines is discussed, for which it is shown that stability conditions are the same as in the uniform case. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0264725
Entities
People
- Kjell F. Voyenli
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology