WAVE GROWTH AND INSTABILITY IN PARTIALLYIONIZED GASES,
Abstract
The possibility of the amplification of random or induced pressure fluctuations in slightlyionized plasmas in the presence of a magnetic field has been discussed previously by Velikhov and others. Basically, this amplification can occur through a coupling between the waves and the background plasma due to the induced fluctuations in those plasma parameters which depend on the thermodynamic properties of the gas. In general, amplification requires the presence of a steady-state current, and some of the most interesting cases occur in the presence of a large Hall effect. In the present paper a simplified method is presented for studying a large class of wave disturbances in partially-ionized gases. Emphasis is placed first of all upon the physical description of these waves and their amplification or damping characteristics, with a view to aiding the intuitive understanding of their nature. It is found that, depending on the frequency and the initial (steady) state of the plasma as well as the orientation of the wave vector, waves can be amplified at a rate significantly greater than that indicated by Velikhov. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0437128
Entities
People
- James E. Mccune