Elements of magnetohydrodynamics with the Hall current. Part 1. Nonlinear phenomena

Abstract

The elements of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) with the Hall current are presented. The governing partial differential equations are, like those of ideal MHD, quasi-linear, but unlike ideal MHD, are not hyperbolic. However, they do possess real characteristics which are shown to be associated with the sound wave and the surfaces ø(r, t) = const. determined by B. ∇ø = 0. Properties of weak and strong discontinuities are discussed, and comparisons are made with ideal MHD. It is shown that generalizations of dipole layers appear as a result of discontinuities in the magnetic field.