In:
Journal of Plasma Physics, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 89, No. 2 ( 2023-04)
Abstract:
The problem of the electron dynamics on a closed magnetic field line passing through a high- $Z$ plasmoid is considered. The electron kinetic equation is integrated over bounce motion and pitch angle, reducing the independent variables to a single adiabatic invariant plus time. Integration of the full Landau self-collision operator is carried out exactly, resulting in a nonlinear integro-differential operator in the new invariant. Conservation laws and the $H$ theorem of the integrated self-collision operator are proven. Numerical solutions of the integrated kinetic equation are obtained with a self-consistent quasineutral electric potential, given the initial condition of a cold plasmoid immersed in a hot ambient plasma. The fact that cold electrons are deeply trapped in a potential with a parabolic peak leads to exactly 3/4 the usual rate of collisional heating by the ambient plasma, independent of any other parameters.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-3778
,
1469-7807
DOI:
10.1017/S0022377823000181
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2004297-8
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