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The expansion of a plasma into a vacuum: Basic phenomena and processes and applications to space plasma physics
Author(s) -
Samir Uri,
Wright K. H.,
Stone N. H.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg021i007p01631
Subject(s) - plasma , physics , ion , space physics , classification of discontinuities , electron , atomic physics , astrophysical plasma , plasma acceleration , mechanics , geophysics , nuclear physics , quantum mechanics , mathematical analysis , mathematics
In this review we call attention 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. We discuss the physical processes which cause the above phenomena and point toward their possible application 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.