The solution of Vlasov's equation for complicated plasma geometry. I. Spherical type

Abstract

The asymptotic solution of Vlasov's equation for complicated plasma geometry (spherical type) using the computer algebra system Maple is presented. The approximation of small ion and electron Larmor radii (drift approximation) for a dipole magnetic field configuration modeling the earth's plasmasphere was used. The method of solution introduces elliptic integrals as variables, which makes it possible to obtain results in a relatively simple manner. A bounce resonance factor (connected with trapped particles) different from the one appearing in the Landau damping case is found.