Propagation of linear and weakly nonlinear waves in Hall-magnetohydrodynamic flows

Abstract

We study in this paper linear and weakly nonlinear waves within the framework of a Hall-magnetohydrodynamic model. An optimal ordering, which allows the Hall effect to be seen in the leading order equations, is used to discuss the propagation of such waves; an evolution equation is obtained where the nonlinearity and Hall effect enter through the parameters that influence the wave propagation significantly. The interplay between nonlinearity and Hall effect leads to the emergence of a dispersive shock wave, which appears as the solution to the initial value problem associated with the evolution equation. The present study reveals a number of interesting flow characteristics which are not seen in the theory of ideal magnetohydrodynamics.