Explosive particle dispersion in space plasma turbulence
Abstract
Particle statistics are investigated in plasma turbulence, using kinetic simulations, in two dimensions. In steady state turbulence, the trajectories of single protons and proton ??pairs are studied, at different values of plasma beta. For single particle displacements, results are consistent with fluids and magnetic field line dynamics, where particles undergo normal diffusion for very long times, with higher beta being more diffusive. In an intermediate time range, with separations lying in the inertial range, particles experience an explosive dispersion in time, consistent with the Richardson prediction.These results are relevant for astrophysical plasmas, where turbulence is crucial for heating and acceleration processes.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016AGUFMSH21C2543S
- Keywords:
-
- 2159 Plasma waves and turbulence;
- INTERPLANETARY PHYSICSDE: 2723 Magnetic reconnection;
- MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICSDE: 7846 Plasma energization;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICSDE: 7863 Turbulence;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICS