Asymptotic solution of a non-linear wave motion in an electron plasma

Abstract

The theory of high-frequency waves has been used to calculate first and second-order asymptotic solutions for the propagation of non-linear waves in a cylindrical symmetric flow of an electron plasma. The behaviour of acceleration waves and weak shock waves has been analysed through these solutions and Whitham's rule for a weak shock wave on any wavelet has been confirmed through the first-order solution. The appearance of a weak shock wave on any wavelet has been determined and its strength, the location, and the speed of propagation have been found from the asymptotic solution presented in this paper. © 1997 by B. G. Teubner Stuttgart-John Wiley & Sons Ltd.