Theory of Shear Alfven Vortex in Current-Carrying Plasma Plasma

Nonlinear shear Alfven waves in low P, current-carrying magnetized plasma are studied.Sets of nonlinear equations describing the shear Alfven waves are derived and corresponding dipolar vortex solutions are given for both regions of P, 0<β< m_e/m_i and m_e/m_i<<β<<1, respectively. Result shows that the equilibrium plasma current has remarkable effect on the behaviour of vortex motion. For the 0<β<< m_e/m_i case the current adds a low speed vortex propagating region in the opposite current direction, while for the < m_e/m_i<<β<<1 case the current reduces the region of vortex propagating speed by cutting a low speed region. The implication of this effect is discussed.