On the Linear Stability of Two-Dimensional Barium Clouds. I. The Inviscid Case.
Abstract
We examine the linear stability of the steepened backside of two-dimensional ionospheric barium clouds. We derive expressions for the growth rate of perturbations on these backsides which are functions of (1) the ratio M of the integrated Pedersen conductivity inside the barium cloud to that of the background ionosphere; (2) the overall shape of the cloud; (3) the plasma density gradient scale length L of the steepened backside; and (4) the perturbation wavenumber k. For sufficiently small kL, the growth time as a function of M traces out the 'U-shaped curve' observed in previous studies. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA141284
Entities
People
- Joseph D. Huba
- Steven T.P. Zalesak
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory