Force-free collisionless current sheet models with non-uniform temperature and density profiles

F. Wilson, T. Neukirch, O. Allanson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present a class of one-dimensional, strictly neutral, Vlasov-Maxwell equilibrium distribution functions for force-free current sheets, with magnetic fields defined in terms of Jacobian elliptic functions, extending the results of Abraham-Shrauner [Phys. Plasmas 20, 102117 (2013)] to allow for non-uniform density and temperature profiles. To achieve this, we use an approach previously applied to the force-free Harris sheet by Kolotkov et al. [Phys. Plasmas 22, 112902 (2015)]. In one limit of the parameters, we recover the model of Kolotkov et al. [Phys. Plasmas 22, 112902 (2015)], while another limit gives a linear force-free field. We discuss conditions on the parameters such that the distribution functions are always positive and give expressions for the pressure, density, temperature, and bulk-flow velocities of the equilibrium, discussing the differences from previous models. We also present some illustrative plots of the distribution function in velocity space
Original languageEnglish
Article number092105
JournalPhysics of Plasmas
Volume24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Force-free collisionless current sheet models with non-uniform temperature and density profiles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this