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A simple non-markovian equation for a magnetoplasma

Nature volume 307, pages 614–616 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

A new kinetic equation for the velocity distribution function ƒ is proposed here, with the innovation that the term (∂ƒ/∂t)c representing the effect of particle collisions, incorporates time delays extending over the interval between successive 90° collisions. When this theory is applied to magnetoplasmas of the type found in tokamaks, it is found that the time delay has a dramatic effect on the heat flux across the magnetic field, giving results orders of magnitude larger than the classical values, and in fair agreement with observations. It appears that non-markovian effects are of great importance in magnetoplasmas, and that they provide answers to some unsolved problems in fusion research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Oxford, Mathematical Institute, 24–29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK

    L. C. Woods

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  1. L. C. Woods
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Woods, L. A simple non-markovian equation for a magnetoplasma. Nature 307, 614–616 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/307614a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/307614a0

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