THE SPACE CHARGE EFFECTS OF NONTHERMAL IONS IN A MAGNETIC FIELD, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF A BACKGROUND PLASMA

摘要

The assumptions and approximations involved in Lehnert's theory of the space charge potential produced by non-thermal ions in a magnetic field are discussed, and this theory is extended to include the effects of background plasma. Lehnert's theory is important as a possible justification of Alfven's critical velocity hypothesis. The possible application of Lehnert's theory in three situations where the critical velocity has been observed or proposed is briefly considered. This theory could be important for Alfven's theory of the origin of the solar system, but is unlikely to be important in the laboratory experiments of Angers et al. or Danielson.