Simulation of low frequency Buneman instability of a current-driven plasma by particle in cell method

Abstract

The nonlinear dynamics of low frequency Buneman instability in a current-driven cold unmagnetized plasma are studied using particle in cell simulation. Simulations of the Buneman instability show that the electron density profile has sharp peaks and the amplitude of the peaks changes with time. Also, the nonlinear evolution of this instability and saturation time is investigated by the time variation of the electric potential energy in the plasma. Moreover, the electron trapping phenomena and the formation of phase space electron holes are presented by considering the phase space diagram and electron distribution function. Finally, the ion mass effect on saturation time is investigated and it is found that the saturation time increases by increasing the ion mass and the saturation level is not very sensitive to the ion mass.