Parallel velocity shear instabilities in an inhomogeneous plasma

The stability of an inhomogeneous anisotropic plasma flowing along a straight magnetic field has been investigated. Both the flow velocity and the plasma density are spatially varying in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. The stability of an interface between an inhomogeneous anisotropic plasma flowing along the magnetic field and the non-conducting compressible gas of uniform density flowing parallel to the interface has also been discussed. The effect of gyroviscosity and inhomogeneity on the Kelvin-Helmholtz shear instability has been discussed in certain limiting situations.