Stationary velocity distribution in an external field: A one-dimensional model

Abstract

The velocity distribution of a charged hard rod coupled to an external field and moving in a neutral equilibrium hard rod gas is studied on the basis of Boltzmann's equation. The exact stationary solution is found. Above a threshold value the field becomes effective in the high-velocity region slowing down the decay of the velocity distribution. The drift velocity and the mean kinetic energy are discussed as functions of the field.