On non-local electron heat conduction: effects of geometry and magnetic field

Self-similar 3D solutions of electron kinetic equation are obtained that can be used for benchmarking both reduced models and codes. It is demonstrated that the geometry (e. g. slab vs spherical) can be an important ingredient in describing non-local electron heat transport. The self-similar variable approach is extended to include the effects of the magnetic field on the kinetics of electron transport. It is found that magnetic field is not as important for the far tail of electron distribution function as one might think. Therefore, suppression of electron heat flux by magnetic field effects in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) studies may need to be reconsidered. (copyright 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)