Hall dynamics of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

Abstract

The nonlinear evolution of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in an inhomogeneous plasma is studied using a two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation code which includes the Hall term. This term is important when the thickness of the boundary layer is less than an ion inertial length. In comparison to the evolution of the instability based upon ideal MHD, the Hall term generates short wavelength turbulence which inhibits vortex formation, and introduces an asymmetry into the nonlinear evolution of the instability depending upon the sign of the vorticity.