Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Characteristic Parameters of a Plasma
- 3 Single-Particle Motions
- 4 Waves in a Cold Plasma
- 5 Kinetic Theory and the Moment Equations
- 6 Magnetohydrodynamics
- 7 MHD Equilibria and Stability
- 8 Discontinuities and Shock Waves
- 9 Electrostatic Waves in a Hot Unmagnetized Plasma
- 10 Waves in a Hot Magnetized Plasma
- 11 Nonlinear Effects
- 12 Collisional Processes
- Appendix A Symbols
- Appendix B Useful Trigonometric Identities
- Appendix C Vector Differential Operators
- Appendix D Vector Calculus Identities
- Index
- References
9 - Electrostatic Waves in a Hot Unmagnetized Plasma
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 March 2017
Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Characteristic Parameters of a Plasma
- 3 Single-Particle Motions
- 4 Waves in a Cold Plasma
- 5 Kinetic Theory and the Moment Equations
- 6 Magnetohydrodynamics
- 7 MHD Equilibria and Stability
- 8 Discontinuities and Shock Waves
- 9 Electrostatic Waves in a Hot Unmagnetized Plasma
- 10 Waves in a Hot Magnetized Plasma
- 11 Nonlinear Effects
- 12 Collisional Processes
- Appendix A Symbols
- Appendix B Useful Trigonometric Identities
- Appendix C Vector Differential Operators
- Appendix D Vector Calculus Identities
- Index
- References
Summary
An analysis of electrostatic waves in a hot unmagnetized plasma is presented. Two approaches are discussed. The first, based on the Vlasov equation and using the same Fourier normal-mode analysis presented in Chapter 4, fails because it does not adequately account for the interaction of the wave with particles moving at the phase velocity of the wave. This approach is replaced by an analysis that treats the problem as an initial-value problem using Laplace transforms. This method succeeds and shows that electrostatic waves decay via a completely new process called “Landau damping.” The existence of this damping is surprising because the Vlasov equation has no irreversible process that would lead to damping. The resolution of this paradox is discussed and involves a resonant transfer of the wave energy to particles with velocities near the phase velocity of the wave. Applications to various types of electrostatic instabilities are given, including waves driven by electron beams and other types of unstable velocity distribution functions.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Introduction to Plasma PhysicsWith Space, Laboratory and Astrophysical Applications, pp. 319 - 377Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2017
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