Fluid Theory of Reflected Particles in Ion Acoustic Shocks.
Abstract
The time-independent equation of motion for a one-dimensional ion fluid of velocity v and temperature T in an electric field E is presented. This equation has a singularity at 3T. This singularity is of crucial importance in any shock whose downstream state satisfies 3T > M(v squared). Assuming a square (waterbag) ion distribution function, the singularity occurs where the first ion is reflected. By adding the presence of a second (reflected) fluid, it is possible to join these two fluids to form a single fluid beyond the singularity. Using this technique the structure of ion acoustic shocks containing reflected particles, and the solutions are identical with direct solutions of the Vlasov equation. The advantage of the fluid formulation is that one can investigate the effect of anomalous friction and energy exchange between incident and reflected beams. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0769235
Entities
People
- I. Haber
- Wallace M. Manheimer
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory