THEORY OF COLLISIONLESS DAMPING OF CAVITONS AND RESONANT PARTICLE-ACCELERATION

A theory is proposed that describes in a self-consistent manner dampin g and particle de acceleration within cavitons. The framework of tile approach makes it possible to formulate a set of self-consistent equat ions taking into account the change in the particle distribution funct ion due to the interaction with cavitons and the damping of the waves within the cavitons due to the interaction with resonant particles. Th e spatial inhomogeneity of the distribution function of resonant parti cles in the vicinity of a caviton produces a new type of damping. The new damping mechanism is present for any inhomogeneity produced both b y the other cavitons (or empty cavitons) in a strongly turbulent plasm a or by any other source. This new type of damping is important for ar resting wave collapse.