Large-Amplitude Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in Nonhomogeneous Plasmas

摘要

We consider the propagation of large-amplitude magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves in an aniso- tropic nonhomogeneous plasma. A classical MHD formulation is adopted, and, by means of a sequence of transformations and use of Elsasser's variables, we derive an exact nonlinear system of equations in compact form that describes such waves. The system incorporates compressibility of the plasma and an arbitrary polarization for the waves. Accordingly, the system provides for the analysis of parallel- propagating, nonlinear Alfven waves and magnetosonic waves in a general space plasma context, including the solar wind.