SHOCK WAVES IN COLLISION-FREE PLASMAS
Abstract
Investigation of the structure of a shock wave provides an excellent opportunity for studying the dissipation processes in collision-free plasmas. The thickness of collision-free shock waves was previously obtained from measurements of the light emitted by the plasma in a magnetic annular shock tube. The magnitude of the shock thickness, and its Mach number and density dependence are in agreement with a theoretical estimate based on the concept that the required dissipation in the shock is produced by nonlinear interactions between magnetohydrodynamic waves. Further confirmation of these results is discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0265454
Entities
People
- A.r. Kantrowitz
- M. Camac