An extended analytical solution of the Boltzmann equation for non-homogeneous fusion and astrophysical plasmas

Abstract

The perturbative Chapman-Enskog procedure for solving Boltzmann's equation, holding when f1 ≪ f0 (f = f0 + f1 + …), is replaced by a method that is free of such a limitation. This work represents an extension to the case of strongly anisotropic plasma systems and the spherical geometry of that of Campbell (1984, 1986). The solution obtained here is expressed in terms of prescribed ratios of mean free path for collisions, as well as electric and gravitational fields, to the temperature- and density-gradient lengths. This solution is also used to discuss the limitation of the conduction transport coefficients in electron plasmas.