Magnetic field generation in shock waves
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Authors
Carter, John P.
Subjects
NA
Advisors
Schwirzke, Fred R.
Date of Issue
1994-06
Date
June, 1994
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Laser produced plasma jets interacting with a background plasma have been used to study magnetic field generation in shock waves. Shock heating produces axial electron temperature and density gradients which are perpendicular to the radial temperature and density gradients. Electron heat transport and ion diffusion, in the radial direction, occur at different rates. This combination of nonparallel temperature and density gradients generate a magnetic field in the azimuthal direction. Simulations corroborate the experimental observation that magnetic fields are generated when a supersonic plasma jet interacts with a background plasma. Magnetic flux generated by this mechanism requires no initial field, which is in contrast to the dynamo mechanism which does require an initial seed field. Specific applications analyzed in this thesis include interplanetary shocks and nuclear EMP effects in the MHD domain. It may be assumed that shock generated magnetic fields are also of importance under astrophysical conditions.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Physics
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
NA
Format
vi, 114 p.:ill.;28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.