Recent experiments and computer simulations have shown that the probability distribution function (PDF) of density and potential fluctuations associated with two‐dimensional Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence in collisionless plasmas, may be exhibiting significant non‐gaussian features. A possible interpretation of these results is that nonlinearly saturated coherent structures are formed which are however transient, because they are themselves unstable to fine scale secondary instabilities. An analytical investigation has been carried out to investigate some of these effects. The two‐ dimensional nonlinear equations describing the Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence are analytically solved; a dipole vortex solution has been obtained and its stability to secondary perturbations examined. Results show that there is a significant growth of the secondary perturbation due to ellipticity of the vortex.
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Research Article|
May 01 1995
Rayleigh–Taylor vortices and their stability in magnetized plasmas
Nikhil Chakrabarti;
Nikhil Chakrabarti
Institute for Plasma Research, Bhat, Gandhinagar 382 424, India
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P. K. Kaw
P. K. Kaw
Institute for Plasma Research, Bhat, Gandhinagar 382 424, India
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Phys. Plasmas 2, 1460–1465 (1995)
Article history
Received:
September 01 1994
Accepted:
January 16 1995
Citation
Nikhil Chakrabarti, P. K. Kaw; Rayleigh–Taylor vortices and their stability in magnetized plasmas. Phys. Plasmas 1 May 1995; 2 (5): 1460–1465. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.871361
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