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arXiv · 0910.4368

Modelling collisions in a relativistic plasma

Adam Noble·David Burton
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Abstract

Generalising the work of Lenard and Bernstein, we introduce a new, fully relativistic model to describe collisional plasmas. Like the Fokker-Planck operator, this equation represents velocity diffusion and conserves particle number. However, unlike the Fokker-Planck operator it is linear in the distribution function, and so more amenable to a fluid treatment. By taking moments, we derive a new fluid model, and demonstrate the damping effects of collisions on Langmuir waves.

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Adam Noble, David Burton. 2009-10-22. Modelling collisions in a relativistic plasma. https://arxiv.org/abs/0910.4368

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