Nonlinear Aspects of Planar Condensational Instability.
Abstract
Simulate numerically the nonlinear evolution of a radiation driven thermally unstable planar fluid, using a semi-implicit finite difference algorithm. When the equilibrium state of the fluid is perturbed by random initial excitation of the velocity field, dense, cool, two dimensional structures are observed forming in a rarer, warmer, surrounding medium. The nonlinear phase of evolution is characterized by the turbulent contraction of the condensed region, accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of energy radiated. If the random velocity perturbation has a sufficiently large amplitude, the fluid will not form condensed structures. Finally, the relationship of these results to observations of the solar chromosphere, transition region and corona is discussed. Keywords: Instability; Condensation; Solar corona.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA178998
Entities
People
- C. R. Devore
- J. Michael Picone
- J. T. Karpen
- J. T. Mariska
- R. B. Dahlburg
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory