Finite-Larmor-radius magnetohydrodynamic equations for microturbulence

Abstract

A set of nonlinear fluid equations which includes the effect of finite ion Larmor radius is derived to describe microturbulence [k⊥ ρs ≂O(1), k∥R≂O(1), n1/n0≂ ρs/Ln, and B1/B0≂ρs/R ] in an inhomogeneous plasma with a strong magnetic field of general geometry. Here ρs is the ion Larmor radius at the electron temperature, Ln is the density gradient scale length, R is the radius of curvature of the magnetic line of force, k is the wave vector, and n1/n0 and B1/B0 are relative levels of density and magnetic field perturbations.