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The expansion of a plasma into a vacuum - Basic phenomena and processes and applications to space plasma physicsIn this review attention is called to basic phenomena and physical processes involved in the expansion of a plasma into a vacuum, or the expansion of a plasma into a more tenuous plasma, in particular the fact that upon the expansion, ions are accelerated and reach energies well above their thermal energy. Also, in the process of the expansion a rarefaction wave propagates into the ambient plasma, an ion front moves into the expansion volume, and discontinuities in plasma parameters occur. The physical processes which cause the above phenomena are discussed, and their possible application is suggested for the case of the distribution of ions and electrons (hence plasma potential and electric fields) in the wake region behind artificial and natural obstacles moving supersonically in a rarefied space plasma. To illustrate this, some in situ results are reexamined. Directions for future work in this area via the utilization of the Space Shuttle and laboratory work are also mentioned.
Document ID
19830060959
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Wright, K. H., Jr.
(Alabama, University Huntsville, AL, United States)
Stone, N. H.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Space Science Laboratory, Huntsville, AL, United States)
Samir, U.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1983
Publication Information
Publication: Reviews of Geophysics and Space Physics
Volume: 21
ISSN: 0034-6853
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
83A42177
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-33982
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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