JET-P(91)04

Different Forms of the Plasma Energy Conservation Equation

The plasma energy flux is frequently equated to the kinetic energy flux. However, the periodic exchange between kinetic and potential energy in the gyratory motion produces a spurious contribution, which is balanced by a potential energy flux. The total energy flux is more meaningful. This is equivalent to the guiding centre energy flux. The convective part of this is (3/2)GT, not (5/2)GT as for the kinetic energy flux.
Name Size  
JETP91004 785.34 Kb