EXPERIMENTAL TESTS FOR THE ACCELERATION OF TRAPPED PARTICLES
Abstract
Mechanisms which could result in the acceleration of charged particles within the magnetosphere are discussed in terms of the responses expected from experimental instruments as they pass through acceleration regions. A series of experimental tests is outlined which can determine if acceleration of trapped particles is important. The mechanisms discussed include Fermi acceleration, which can accelerate protons to tens or hundreds of kilovolts and can increase the energy of trapped electrons several hundred-fold before they are lost in the dense atmosphere. A change in the intensity of the solar wind or in the strength of a ring current can change the energy of trapped particles by the betatron mechanism. Electrons can be accelerated to kilovolt energies by the setting up of plasma oscillations, by acceleration within moving clouds or by intrusions of solar plasma. Finally, particles may be accelerated to energies of 10 kilovolts or more in the vicinity of neutral lines.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0297083
Entities
People
- Richard L. Kaufmann
Organizations
- Air Force Special Weapons Center