THE IDEAL MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC CONTINUOUS SPECTRA OF A CYLINDRICAL PLASMA - SOLUTION OF THE INITIAL-VALUE PROBLEM

The initial value problem of the linearized equations of compressible magnetohydrodynamics in cylindrical screw-pinch geometry is treated. T he initial value terms that arise in the Laplace-transformed equations are retained. The formation of continuous spectra is examined, includ ing possible effects of the initial value terms. In accordance with ea rlier findings, the well-known shear Alfven and cusp continua are foun d. No evidence of continua tied to the fast and slow magnetosonic wave s is found. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S1070-664X(98)027 10-4].