Parallel Ion Temperatures Research Articles

Wake past an obstacle in a magnetized plasma flow

The motion of a satellite in a collisionless plasma, parallel to the magnetic field is simulated in a Q-machine. Previous theories are extended to include the effects of a parallel ion temperature and of the self consistent electric field. The measurements appear to be well explained by the present theory; in particular the coupling of the wake with ionic Bernstein modes is demonstrated. When the cross-sectional area of the obstacle is made to vary in time, the propagation of a 'magneto ballistic pseudo wave' the properties of which are connected to those of the steady wake is predicted and observed. This experiment is used as a measurement of the ion mean velocity and of the ion perpendicular temperature in a Q-machine.