Electron vortex generation by strong, localized plasma heating

The generation of electron vortical structures by strong localized heating is investigated analytically and numerically. The structure formation and i ts dynamics are described by the model of electron magnetohydrodynamics, ex tended to include pressure effects. Magnetic structures are generated by th e thermal electromotive force that arises due to nonalignment of pressure a nd density gradients. Their topology is determined by the heating power and the equilibrium density gradient. It is shown that strong localized heatin g of a nonuniform plasma generates vortical structures that are capable of confining and transporting heat across the plasma. The long term behavior o f the structures agrees qualitatively with stationary equilibrium solutions . As these structures survive for rather long times, a filamentary profile of the temperature develops. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.