Effect of generalized (r, q)-distributed electrons on ion polytropic coefficient in bounded plasmas

Abstract

The generalized (r, q) velocity distribution function (VDF) is used to describe the quasineutral region of the basic bounded plasma as presented by Tonks and Langmuir. In this regard, the electrons are assumed to follow the (r, q) VDF, and the ions are assumed to be produced as a result of electron-impact ionization of cold neutrals. The plasma approximation is used to calculate the corresponding ion VDF, as well as the ion density, temperature and polytropic coefficient, as affected by the nonthermal indices r and q. The obtained results correspond to the Maxwellian counterparts in proper limits. The present work will be useful in fusion devices where non-Maxwellian electrons may exist due to various physical phenomena.