Splitting Scheme Integration of the Two-and-One-Half-Dimensional Vlasov Equation

A numerical splitting scheme technique is applied to the integration of the Vlasov equation in two-space and three velocity dimensions. Calculations are performed for a cold, stationary ion, mobile electron plasma in the presence of a constant external magnetic field. Results for Landau damping and the two-stream instability are presented in both one and two velocity dimensions. The Landau damping results show a plateau structure in the electron velocity distribution function in both the parallel and perpendicular directions formed as a result of the damping of a high initial electric field propagating at 45° to the parallel velocity axis. The two-stream velocity distribution function shows pitch angle scattering and velocity diffusion for an electron beam initially propagating at 45° to the magnetic field direction through a low-temperature equal density background. The two-stream distribution function evolves to a stable quasi-isotropic plateau structure similar to that found in auroral sounding rocket data.