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Density drift instabilities and weak collisionsA model is developed which describes the effects of weak collisions on the linear kinetic theory of electrostatic density drift instabilities. A dispersion equation valid at all frequencies and wave numbers is derived using the assumptions of a weak, uniform density gradient; a uniform magnetic field; and the BGK collision operator with a modification of the local approximation. The properties of the universal and collisional density drift instabilities at maximum growth rates are examined in detail. The thresholds of the instabilities are examined for an ionospheric model which includes ion-neutral, electron-neutral, and electron-ion collisions, and are compared with the threshold of the lower hybrid density drift instability. It is concluded that the k to the -5th short wavelength density power spectra observed above 280 km in the PLUMEX experiment are due to the effects of the universal density drift instability.
Document ID
19830042548
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Gary, S. P.
(Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Bernhardt, P. A.
(Los Alamos Scientific Lab. NM, United States)
Cole, T. E.
(Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos, NM, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 88
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
83A23766
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS10-23726
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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