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Radiative properties of a plasma moving across a magnetic field. I - Theoretical analysis. II - Numerical resultsThe early-time evolution of plasmas moving across a background magnetic field is addressed with a 2D model in which a plasma cloud is assumed to have formed instantaneously with a velocity across a uniform background magnetic field and with a Gaussian density profile in the two dimensions perpendicular to the direction of motion. This model treats both the dynamics associated with the formation of a polarization field and the generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves. In general, the results indicate that, to zeroth order, the plasma cloud behaves like a large dipole antenna oriented in the direction of the polarization field which oscillates at frequencies defined by the normal mode of the system. Radiation damping is shown to play an important role in defining the plasma cloud evolution, causing a rapid decay of the polarizaiton field and a loss of plasma kinetic energy and momentum on time scales comprable to several ion gyroperiods. Scaling laws are derived for the plasma momentum and energy loss rates, and predictions for the braking time, the amplitude and spectrum of the radiation field, and the total radiated power are presented for conditions relevant to the recent Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite experiments.
Document ID
19930053175
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Roussel-Dupre, Robert
(Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States)
Miller, Ronald H.
(Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Physics of Fluids B
Volume: 5
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0899-8221
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
93A37172
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1619
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2162
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-91-14409
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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