ASYMPTOTIC SOLUTION OF A NONLINEAR-WAVE MOTION IN AN ELECTRON-PLASMA

The theory of high-frequency waves has been used to calculate first an d second-order asymptotic solutions for the propagation of non-linear waves in a cylindrical symmetric flow of an electron plasma. The behav iour of acceleration waves and weak shock waves has been analysed thro ugh these solutions and Whitham's rule for a weak shock wave on any wa velet has been confirmed through the first-order solution. The appeara nce of a weak shock wave on any wavelet has been determined and its st rength, the location, and the speed of propagation have been found fro m the asymptotic solution presented in this paper. (C) 1997 by B. G. T eubner Stuttgart-John Wiley & Sons Ltd.