Abstract
A model for nonlinear ion waves in an unmagnetized plasma with relativistically degenerate electrons and cold fluid ions is presented here. The inertia is given here by the ion mass while the restoring force is provided by the relativistic electron degeneracy pressure, and the dispersion is due to the deviation from charge neutrality. A nonlinear Korteweg–de Vries equation is derived for small but finite amplitude waves and is used to study the properties of localized ion acoustic solitons for parameters relevant for dense astrophysical objects such as white dwarf stars. Different degrees of relativistic electron degeneracy are discussed and compared.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 034503 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physics of Plasmas |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 Mar 2011 |
Keywords
- quantum plasmas
- degenerate electrons
- solitary waves
- electrostatic solitary waves