The Boltzmann equation corresponding to a general “multiterm” representation of the phase space distribution function $f(\mathbf{r},\mathbf{c},t)$ for charged particles in a gas in an electric field was reformulated entirely in terms of spherical tensors $f_m^l$ some time ago, and numerous applications, including extension to time varying and crossed electric and magnetic fields, have followed. However, these applications have, by and large, been limited to the hydrodynamic conditions that prevail in swarm experiments and the full potential of the tensor formalism has thus never been realized. This paper resumes the discussion in the context of the more general nonhydrodynamic situation. Geometries for which a simple Legendre polynomial expansion suffices to represent f are discussed briefly, but the emphasis is upon cylindrical geometry, where such simplification does not arise. In particular, we consider an axisymmetric cylindrical column of weakly ionized plasma, and derive an infinite hierarchy of integrodifferential equations for the expansion coefficients of the phase space distribution function, valid for both electrons and ions, and for all types of binary interaction with neutral gas molecules.

• Received 13 December 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.65.056410