In the paper, the interaction between a finite-size vortex of constant density and a weak, pointlike vortex in a Penning trap is studied analytically. A suitable Fourier representation for the contour of the finite vortex is considered and a model for small perturbations, which is linear with respect to the Fourier coefficients, is deduced. The resonance condition for the surface modes and a sufficient condition for the merger of the vortices not to occur are obtained. The validity of the analytic results is checked with a contour dynamics code making use of a new methodology developed by the authors. Numerical results referred to a case of strongly-interacting vortices are also reported.
Analysis of the merger between plasma vortices in a Penning trap
D'ANGOLA, Antonio;
2003-01-01
Abstract
In the paper, the interaction between a finite-size vortex of constant density and a weak, pointlike vortex in a Penning trap is studied analytically. A suitable Fourier representation for the contour of the finite vortex is considered and a model for small perturbations, which is linear with respect to the Fourier coefficients, is deduced. The resonance condition for the surface modes and a sufficient condition for the merger of the vortices not to occur are obtained. The validity of the analytic results is checked with a contour dynamics code making use of a new methodology developed by the authors. Numerical results referred to a case of strongly-interacting vortices are also reported.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
