Accession Number:

ADA151414

Title:

Effects of Finite Current Channel Width on the Current Convective Instability.

Descriptive Note:

Memorandum rept. Oct 83-Oct 84,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Satyanarayana,P.
• Chen,J.

Report Date:

1985-03-05

Pagination or Media Count:

39.0

Abstract:

The effects of the finite current channel width on the current convective instability are studied both analytically and numerically. First, using a sharp-boundary field-aligned current distribution which has a finite width along the plasma density gradient, the dispersion relation is obtained analytically. Numerical results are also presented for a diffuse-boundary current velocity distribution. Applications to the high latitude ionosphere are discussed. Key words include Plasma instability, High latitude ionosphere, Fluid instability, Finite current channel width.

Descriptors:

• *PLASMA WAVES
• IONOSPHERE
• STABILITY
• CONVECTION
• HIGH LATITUDES
• GRADIENTS
• PLASMA OSCILLATION

Subject Categories:

• Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE