Effect of non-thermal ion distributions on the Jeans instability in dusty plasmas

Non-thermal ion distributions are a characteristic feature of space plasmas, and in the current work the influence of such non-thermal ion distributions on the Jeans instability is examined. Following previous general models, the electrons are taken to be Boltzmann on the timescales involved, whilst...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of plasma physics 2005-04, Vol.71 (2), p.177-184
Main Authors: PILLAY, S. R., VERHEEST, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Basic studies of specific kinds of plasmas
Dusty or complex plasmas
plasma crystals
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental aspects of astrophysics
Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations
Magnetohydrodynamics and plasmas
Physics
Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges
Physics of plasmas and electric discharges
Plasma physics
Waves, oscillations, and instabilities in plasmas and intense beams
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Summary:Non-thermal ion distributions are a characteristic feature of space plasmas, and in the current work the influence of such non-thermal ion distributions on the Jeans instability is examined. Following previous general models, the electrons are taken to be Boltzmann on the timescales involved, whilst the negative dust component is modelled by the continuity and momentum equations. The ion dynamics are described via a non-thermal Cairns distribution. The linear dispersion relation is derived and analysed for varying degrees of deviation from ordinary thermal behaviour, determined by the characteristic parameter of the Cairns distribution.
ISSN:0022-3778
1469-7807
DOI:10.1017/S0022377804003538