Transient phenomena and secularity of linear interchange instabilities with shear flows in homogeneous magnetic field plasmas

Transient and secular behaviors of interchange fluctuations are analyzed in an ambient shear flow by invoking Kelvin's method of shearing modes. Becau se of its non-Hermitian property, complex transient phenomena can occur in a shear flow system. The combined effect of shear flow mixing and Alfven wa ve propagation overcomes the instability driving force at sufficiently larg e time, and damps all fluctuations of the magnetic flux. On the other hand, electrostatic perturbations can be destabilized for sufficiently strong in terchange drive. The time asymptotic behavior in each case is algebraic (no nexponential). (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.