We present the results of analytical studies and computer simulations of electron-ion plasma cloud collisions using 2D3V particle-in-cell and 2D two-fluid collisionless relativistic codes. We address the problem covering the generation of a quasistatic magnetic field. Using relativistic two-fluid equations for the two counterstreaming electron populations: we show with the help of linear theory that the generation of a magnetic field can be associated with the "electromagnetic counterstreaming instability". Two-dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell provide good agreement with the results of linear theory. We show that the quasistatic magnetic field undergoes a collisionless change of structure, leading to large-scale, long-lived structures. These processes may be important for the understanding of magnetic field generation in laser plasmas and in space plasmas in the regions where two stellar winds collide.
Magnetic field generation during the collision of electron-ion plasma clouds
CALIFANO, FRANCESCO;PEGORARO, FRANCESCO;
1998-01-01
Abstract
We present the results of analytical studies and computer simulations of electron-ion plasma cloud collisions using 2D3V particle-in-cell and 2D two-fluid collisionless relativistic codes. We address the problem covering the generation of a quasistatic magnetic field. Using relativistic two-fluid equations for the two counterstreaming electron populations: we show with the help of linear theory that the generation of a magnetic field can be associated with the "electromagnetic counterstreaming instability". Two-dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell provide good agreement with the results of linear theory. We show that the quasistatic magnetic field undergoes a collisionless change of structure, leading to large-scale, long-lived structures. These processes may be important for the understanding of magnetic field generation in laser plasmas and in space plasmas in the regions where two stellar winds collide.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.