The Euler–Poisswell/Darwin equation and the asymptotic hierarchy of the Euler–Maxwell equation

Abstract

In this paper we introduce the (unipolar) pressureless Euler–Poisswell equation for electrons as the O ( 1 / c ) semi-relativistic approximation and the (unipolar) pressureless Euler–Darwin equation as the O ( 1 / c 2 ) semi-relativistic approximation of the (unipolar) pressureless Euler–Maxwell equation. In the “infinity-ion-mass” limit, the unipolar Euler–Maxwell equation arises from the bipolar Euler–Maxwell equation, describing a coupled system for a plasma of electrons and ions. The non-relativistic limit c → ∞ of the Euler–Maxwell equation is the repulsive Euler–Poisson equation with electric force. We propose that the Euler–Poisswell equation, where the Euler equation with electric force is coupled to the magnetostatic O ( 1 / c ) approximation of Maxwell’s equations, is the correct semi-relativistic O ( 1 / c ) approximation of the Euler–Maxwell equation. In the Euler–Poisswell equation the fluid dynamics are decoupled from the magnetic field since the Lorentz force reduces to the electric force. The first non-trivial interaction with the magnetic field is at the O ( 1 / c 2 ) level in the Euler–Darwin equation. This is a consistent and self-consistent model of order O ( 1 / c 2 ) and includes the full Lorentz force, which is relativistic at O ( 1 / c 2 ). The Euler–Poisswell equation also arises as the semiclassical limit of the quantum Pauli–Poisswell equation, which is the O ( 1 / c ) approximation of the relativistic Dirac–Maxwell equation. We also present a local wellposedness theory for the Euler–Poisswell equation. The Euler–Maxwell system couples the non-relativistic Euler equation and the relativistic Maxwell equations and thus it is not fully consistent in 1 / c. The consistent fully relativistic model is the relativistic Euler–Maxwell equation where Maxwell’s equations are coupled to the relativistic Euler equation – a model that is neglected in the mathematics community. We also present the relativistic Euler–Darwin equation resulting as a O ( 1 / c 2 ) approximation of this model.