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Nonlinear decay of a large-ampitude ion-acoustic wave
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2009
Abstract
This paper studies the nonlinear coupling between an ion—acoustic wave and two Alfvén waves. On the basis of the MHD equations, this three-wave interaction is described within the coupled normal-mode theory. It is shown that a largeamplitude acoustic wave can decay into a pair of Alfvén waves in a high-β plasma. Calculations of the threshold condition and the maximum growth rate suggest that this decay process may occur both in the laboratory and in the ionosphere.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975
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