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Magnetic field diffusion and dissipation in reversed-field plasmasA diffusion equation is derived which describes the evolution of a magnetic field in a plasma of arbitrary beta and resistivity. The equation is valid for a one-dimensional slab geometry, assumes the plasma remains in quasi-equilibrium throughout its evolution and does not include thermal transport. Scaling laws governing the rate of change of the magnetic energy, particle drift energy, and magnetic flux are calculated. It is found that the magnetic free energy can be substantially larger than the particle drift energy and can be an important energy reservoir in driving plasma instabilities (e.g., the lower-hybrid-drift instability). In addition, the effect of a spatially varying resistivity on the evolution of a reversed-field plasma is studied. The resistivity model used is based upon the anomalous transport properties associated with the nonlocal mode structure of the lower-hybrid-drift instability. The relevance of this research to laboratory plasmas (e.g., theta pinches, reversed-field theta pinches) and space plasmas (e.g., the earth's magnetotail) is discussed.
Document ID
19810037077
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Drake, J. F.
(Naval Research Lab. Washington, DC, United States)
Gladd, N. T.
(U.S. Navy, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.; Maryland, University College Park, Md., United States)
Huba, J. D.
(Science Applications, Inc. McLean, Va., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Physics of Fluids
Volume: 24
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
81A21481
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER W-14365
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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