Interactions of solitary waves in the Adlam-Allen model


Abstract in English

We study the interactions of two or more solitons in the Adlam-Allen model describing the evolution of a (cold) plasma of positive and negative charges, in the presence of electric and transverse magnetic fields. In order to show that the interactions feature an exponentially repulsive nature, we elaborate two distinct approaches: (a) using energetic considerations and the Hamiltonian structure of the model; (b) using the so-called Manton method. We compare these findings with results of direct simulations, and identify adjustments necessary to achieve a quantitative match between them. Additional connections are made, such as with solitons of the Korteweg--de Vries equation. Future challenges are also mentioned in connection to this model and its solitary waves.

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