DIFFUSION MODEL OF LOW ENERGY CHARGED PARTICLES ALONG OPEN FIELD LINES,
Abstract
Just after dayside connection of the field lines, there is a discontinuity in charged particle densities which yields a negative potential on the interplanetary side. The electrons travel a distance comparable to the size of the magnetosphere in a few minutes--a time much smaller than the period of the field line circulation. Thus the electrons can be treated independently of time. However, a time dependent study of the proton motions must be considered. Using a step function for the proton distribution of velocities, the magnitude of the electric field potential determined from quasineutrality is of the order of volts. The resulting potential profile implies that some electrons will be trapped between the low altitude magnetic mirror and an electric potential wall as the field line travels toward the nightside. It also appears that spikes in electron density propagate away from the initial discontinuity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0641204
Entities
People
- Joseph M. Grebowsky
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University