Effect of finite Larmor radius on Rayleigh–Taylor instability of a plasma

1969 ◽  
Vol 47 (22) ◽  
pp. 2435-2437 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. D. Ariel ◽  
P. K. Bhatia

The effects of a finite Larmor radius of the ions are investigated on the Rayleigh–Taylor instability of a plasma in which there is a density gradient in a direction perpendicular to that of the magnetic field. It is found that the unstable configuration is completely stabilized by the finite Larmor radius effect.

1974 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. Srivastava

We have investigated the effect of finite Larmor radius on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability of a semi-infinite, compressible, stratified and infinitely conducting plasma. The plasma is assumed to have a one dimensional density and magnetic field gradients. The eigenvalue problem has been solved under Boussinesq approximation for disturbances parallel to the magnetic field. It has been established that for perturbation parallel to the magnetic field, the system is stable for both stable and unstable stratification. For perturbation perpendicular to the magnetic field, the problem has been solved without Boussinesq approximation. The dispersion relation has been discussed in the two limiting cases, the short and long wave disturbances. It has been observed that the gyroviscosity has a destabilizing influence from k = 0 to k = 4.5 for ß* = 0.1 and for ß* = 0.1 up to k* = 2.85 and then onwards it acts as a stabilizing agent. It has a damping effect on the short wave disturbances. For some parameters, the largets imaginary part has been shown in Figs. 1 and 2


1993 ◽  
Vol 48 (8-9) ◽  
pp. 844-850
Author(s):  
P. D. Ariel

Abstract The Rayleigh-Taylor instability of a compressible plasma in the presence of a horizontal magnetic field is investigated, taking into account the effects of finite Larmor radius. Only transverse perturbations are considered. The problem is shown to be characterized by a variational principle. Using it, the dispersion relation is obtained for a plasma layer of finite thickness and having an exponentially varying density. It is found that the finite Larmor radius effects can thoroughly stabilize unstable configurations. For configurations which are not completely stabilized, the compressibility stabilizes some of the disturbances which are unstable for an incompressible plasma.


1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. K. Nayyar ◽  
S. K. Trehan

The effect of finite ion-Larmor radius is considered on the Rayleigh–Taylor instability of a plasma. The macroscopic equations of motion are used where the finite ion-Larmor radius effects are incorporated in the stress tensor. The finite ion-Larmor radius stabilization of the interchange mode is demonstrated. For disturbances propagating along the magnetic field, it is found that the inclusion of gyro-viscosity has a stabilizing effect; it increases the critical wavenumber (compared to its value in the absence of gyro-viscosity) beyond which all modes are unstable.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 271-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Smets ◽  
G. Belmont ◽  
D. Delcourt ◽  
L. Rezeau

Abstract. Using hybrid simulations, we examine how particles can diffuse across the Earth's magnetopause because of finite Larmor radius effects. We focus on tangential discontinuities and consider a reversal of the magnetic field that closely models the magnetopause under southward interplanetary magnetic field. When the Larmor radius is on the order of the field reversal thickness, we show that particles can cross the discontinuity. We also show that with a realistic initial shear flow, a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability develops that increases the efficiency of the crossing process. We investigate the distribution functions of the transmitted ions and demonstrate that they are structured according to a D-shape. It accordingly appears that magnetic reconnection at the magnetopause is not the only process that leads to such specific distribution functions. A simple analytical model that describes the built-up of these functions is proposed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 634 ◽  
pp. A96
Author(s):  
E. Vickers ◽  
I. Ballai ◽  
R. Erdélyi

Aims. We investigate the nature of the magnetic Rayleigh–Taylor instability at a density interface that is permeated by an oblique homogeneous magnetic field in an incompressible limit. Methods. Using the system of linearised ideal incompressible magnetohydrodynamics equations, we derive the dispersion relation for perturbations of the contact discontinuity by imposing the necessary continuity conditions at the interface. The imaginary part of the frequency describes the growth rate of waves due to instability. The growth rate of waves is studied by numerically solving the dispersion relation. Results. The critical wavenumber at which waves become unstable, which is present for a parallel magnetic field, disappears because the magnetic field is inclined. Instead, waves are shown to be unstable for all wavenumbers. Theoretical results are applied to diagnose the structure of the magnetic field in prominence threads. When we apply our theoretical results to observed waves in prominence plumes, we obtain a wide range of field inclination angles, from 0.5° up to 30°. These results highlight the diagnostic possibilities that our study offers.


1998 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 937-944 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. K. Sharma ◽  
R. K. Chhajlani

Abstract The Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability of two superposed plasmas, consisting of interacting ions and neutrals, in a horizontal magnetic field is investigated. The usual magnetohydrodynamic equations, including the permeability of the medium, are modified for finite Larmor radius (FLR) corrections. From the relevant linearized perturbation equations, using normal mode analysis, the dispersion relation for the two superposed fluids of different densities is derived. This relation shows that the growth rate unstability is reduced due to FLR corrections, rotation and the presence of neutrals. The horizontal magnetic field plays no role in the R-T instability. The R-T instability is discussed for various simplified configurations. It remains unaffected by the permeability of the porous medium, presence of neutral particles and rotation. The effect of different factors on the growth rate of R-T instability is investigated using numerical analysis. Corresponding graphs are plotted for showing the effect of these factors on the growth of the R-T instability.


1984 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 939-944 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. Chhajlani ◽  
R. K. Sanghvi ◽  
P. Purohit

Abstract The hydromagnetric Rayleigh-Taylor instability of a composite medium has been studied in the presence of suspended particles for an exponentially varying density distribution. The prevalent horizontal magnetic field and viscosity of the medium are assumed to be variable. The dispersion relation is derived for such a medium. It is found that the stability criterion is independent of both viscosity and suspended particles. The system can be stabilized for an appropriate value of the magnetic field. It is found that the suspended particles can suppress as well as enhance the growth rate of the instability in certain regions. The growth rates are obtained for a viscid medium with the inclusion of suspended particles and without it. It has been shown analytically that the growth rate is modified by the inclusion of the relaxation frequency parameter of the suspended particles.


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